The Second Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) took place on January 28-29, 2014 at the Havana Convention Palace with the participation of the 33 member countries.
Among the main topics discussed at this Summit were the declaration of the region as a zone of peace and free of nuclear weapons, support for Argentina in its struggle for the recovery of the Malvinas Islands, the fight against the domination of transnational corporations, the exploitation of natural resources, the economic, financial and commercial blockade of the United States against Cuba, cultural policies and terrorism. It was also advocated the independence of Puerto Rico and its inclusion in the Community as a country belonging to the region, in addition to the return to Cuba by the U.S. government of the territory, which the latter illegally occupies on the island.
Peace above all
The summit proclaimed Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of Peace, thus ratifying the commitment of its countries to the Purposes and Principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and International Law, and aware that the prosperity and stability of the region contribute to international peace and security, reiterating, further reiterating the commitment that differences among nations be resolved peacefully, through dialogue and negotiation or other forms of solution, and in full accordance with international law, and to fully respect the inalienable right of every State to choose its political, economic, social and cultural system, as an essential condition to ensure peaceful coexistence among nations.
Today, September 21, when the International Day of Peace is celebrated around the world, this proclamation becomes stronger, bearing in mind the statements of Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, who said: “Peace is more necessary than ever. War and conflict are causing devastation, poverty and hunger and displacing tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is affecting the entire planet and even countries where peace reigns are being shaken by huge inequalities and political polarization.
