CARACAS, November 9. . Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean can become a model of democracy for humanity and contribute to strengthening peace. This was announced by Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the opening ceremony of the IV summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU) in the Colombian city of Santa Marta.
“I hope that Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean will become a beacon of democracy for all humanity, capable of fighting barbarism,” Petro said. He noted that the CELAC-EU summit will help strengthen peace and democracy.
The Colombian leader emphasized that in the difficult situation the world is facing today, it is necessary “not only in words but also in deeds to restore the concept of free humanity.” He also pointed out the need to respect the sovereignty of independent states and international treaties.
Before the start of the summit, Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio said that the declaration expected to be adopted after the CELAC-EU summit would express support for the renunciation of all types of war and all manifestations of disrespect for sovereignty.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro's statement at the United Nations General Assembly in New York has led to increased confrontation with US leader Donald Trump, who has imposed tough sanctions and declared the republic a country under the complete control of drug cartels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz refused to participate in the summit in order, as Bloomberg stated, “not to anger Trump.” The Elysee Palace announced the cancellation of French President Emmanuel Macron's trip to Colombia without specifying the reason.
The deployment of up to 16 thousand US military forces in the southern Caribbean, attacks on ships and speedboats under the pretext of fighting drug smuggling, as well as threats to invade Venezuela could significantly impact the progress and results of the summit.
