The joint statement denies “the use of force” in violation of international law. The document was published on Sunday (9th), the first day of a summit between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) and the European Union. The meeting concludes this Monday (10th) in the Colombian city of Santa Marta and comes amid heightened tensions with the United States over attacks on shipping in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.
The joint statement denies “the use of force” in violation of international law. The document was published on Sunday (9th), the first day of a summit between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) and the European Union. The meeting concludes this Monday (10th) in the Colombian city of Santa Marta and comes amid heightened tensions with the United States over attacks on shipping in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.
“We reiterate our opposition to the use of force, the threat of force, and any action inconsistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” the statement was signed by 58 of the 60 countries in attendance. Venezuela and Nicaragua distanced themselves from the document.
The meeting was marked by veiled criticism of Washington and references to international conflicts such as Ukraine and Gaza. “We are committed to the importance of maritime security and regional stability in the Caribbean,” the text added, without directly mentioning U.S. bombings of ships allegedly carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, which have already killed 70 people.
European Commission Vice-President Kaja Callas explained why she did not mention President Donald Trump’s administration. “Because you wouldn’t have been able to unite the countries very easily,” he said.
“Rhetorical Manipulation”
Hours earlier, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, an ally of the Colombian president and summit organizer Gustavo Petro, reiterated his concerns about the US military presence in the region. “The threat of use of force is once again part of everyday life in Latin America and the Caribbean. Old rhetoric is being repurposed to justify illegal intervention,” Lula said.
The meeting will have reduced presidential participation and will be held amid the worst crisis with the United States. Petro described the attack ordered by President Trump as an “extrajudicial execution.” The U.S. government accused Colombia’s president of “not doing enough” to curb drug trafficking and imposed harsh financial sanctions.
Declaration condemning the war in Ukraine
Washington’s military presence in the region has also heightened tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has accused the White House of an interest in overthrowing the government. “The use of force is only authorized in two cases: in self-defense or in accordance with a United Nations Security Council resolution,” Karas said at the beginning of the meeting.
The joint declaration from the bloc’s fourth meeting, after Brussels in 2023, also includes condemnation of the “ongoing war against Ukraine, which continues to cause untold human suffering.”
According to Callas, this was an issue for Venezuela and Nicaragua to withdraw from the declaration. The document also refers to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and makes reference to a two-state solution. Out of the 33 Cherac member states and 27 EU member states, only nine heads of state and government will take part in the summit, including European Council President Antonio Costa and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
with agency
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