WASHINGTON – The United States has not yet sent out formal invitations to attend the June Summit of the Americas, but stressed that “all democracies” in the region will be involved, making it “unlikely” that Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela’s Government attend by President Nicolás Maduro.
This was stated by US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols on a conference call with a small group of journalists to comment on the regional meeting, which will be held June 6-10 in Los Angeles, California ). ).
“The White House will invite all Democratic governments in the region to the summit,” Nichols said, noting that formal invitations have not yet been sent out.
A US official said that following recent talks, the Cuban government has been asked to accept deportees in exchange for increasing the number of visas issued to Cubans wanting to emigrate.
However, he conceded that it was “unlikely” that Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua would be among the guests.
Referring to Venezuela, Nichols stressed that the US does not consider Maduro a “democratic ruler,” but avoided specifying whether it will invite opposition figure Juan Guaidó, whom Washington still recognizes as the country’s interim president.
Nichols limited himself to pointing out that the US government has “great respect” for Guaidó’s internal government.
Under the motto “Building a Sustainable, Resilient and Just Future”, the summit will focus on the growing migration flows in the region, but will also address the climate crisis, the transition to clean energy and equitable economic growth, as well as the role of civil society and independent media, so the White House.
The IX Summit of the Americas will be the second organized by the United States after the original one in Miami in 1994.