A&B SIGNS CELAC DECLARATION IN RESPONSE TO MILITARY DEPLOYMENT IN THE REGION

Antigua and Barbuda has joined 19 other member states of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, CELAC, in expressing deep concern over the recent deployment of extra-regional military forces in the region.

The statement from the CELAC member states comes in the wake of the United States’ deployment of war ships and other military assets to international waters in the Southern Caribbean. The United States says this is aimed at combating drug trafficking, but Venezuela sees it as provocation and the greatest threat faced by Latin America in a century.

Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela have signed the declaration calling for the promotion of a secure environment. The 20 member states, comprising close to two thirds of the CELAC bloc, have also reiterated their firm commitment to defending peace, stability, democracy and development throughout the region.

The signatories to the declaration have also reaffirmed their commitment to combat transnational organised crime and drug trafficking as a priority. They agree to enhance regional and international cooperation within the framework of respect for international law.