| 06 de febrero de 2012, 14:41Caracas, Feb 6 (Prensa Latina) The 11th Summit of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our Americas (ALBA) concluded this weekend with strong criticism of the neo-colonialist policies of the Western powers that try to tarnish regional sovereignty.Diego Borja Heads ALBA Economic Secretariat Caribbean to Have Greater Presence in ALBAProgress Seen by Nicaragua in Recent ALBA Summit The meeting of the regional bloc, convened by President Hugo Chavez, also addressed issues such as strengthening the regional market. The anti-colonial initiatives taken on Saturday and Sunday included a special statement on the inalienable right of the Puerto Rican people to self-determination and full independence. The ALBA also enacted a declaration in support of Argentina's legitimate sovereign rights over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich and the surrounding maritime areas. On the basis of colonial actions and interference, implemented by European governments and the United States in the world, the ALBA leaders proposed the creation of a joint Defense Council, whose operation will be discussed at future meetings. According to Chavez, the military leaders of the member nations need to hold meetings in which they could exchange views on projects and execute maneuvers, war games and joint trainings. Cuban President Raul Castro suggested that such a meeting should include not only Defense Ministers but also all officials concern with regional security. Meanwhile, President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua urged his counterparts to add a priority on the new Council agenda: the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. On Saturday and Sunday, the ALBA leaders and other guests also passed a resolution demanding the immediate release of the Cuban Five who are unjustly imprisoned in the United States. sgl/as/ogt/mgt/dav |