In addition, the statement promotes dialogue between the government and the opposition in Venezuela and expresses concern about the humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
Leaders of CELAC and the European Union pose for a photo at a summit in Brussels, 17/07/23
247 The summit of the countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union ended this Tuesday (18) without a consensus on Russia’s condemnation of the war in Ukraine that has been going on for almost 17 months. The information comes from the newspaper O Globo.
The final text of the meeting in Brussels, Belgium, attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, does not mention “Russia” but only “deep concerns” about the armed conflict in Ukraine. The 10page document, adopted almost by consensus (with the exception of Nicaragua), addresses the issue of war in Eastern Europe in just one paragraph. The language used sparked controversy among leaders and made it difficult to reach a final agreement.
Then the 60 countries that make up the two groups 33 Latin Americans and 27 Europeans express their “support for the Black Sea Grains Initiative and the efforts of the UN Security Council to ensure its continuity”. The document further reaffirms support for “all diplomatic efforts seeking a just and lasting peace consistent with the Charter of the United Nations.”
Regarding the EUMercosur deal, which has been paralyzed by European demands on the environment something South Americans see as protectionism and a threat the document only mentions “work in progress” between the two blocs, without the word “agreement”. to mention . The lack of progress at this week’s meeting led to a departure from this topic.
Regarding Venezuela, the document merely promotes “a constructive dialogue between the parties to the Venezuelaled negotiations in Mexico City.” A parallel meeting between representatives of the Venezuelan government and opposition was organized yesterday by French President Emmanuel Macron in the presence of Presidents Lula (Brazil), Gustavo Petro (Colombia) and Alberto Fernández (Argentina).
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The statement also mentioned concerns about the security crisis in Haiti and reiterated support for the “total peace” process being sought by Petro in Colombia, with the aim of ending decades of violence between security forces and armed and revolutionary groups.
On issues particularly relevant to developing countries, the 60 nations say it is “important” to deliver on the pledge made in 2009 to provide $100 million annually in climate finance for developing countries from 2020 to 2025.
The declaration also underscores the commitment to “renew and further strengthen” relations between both sides of the Atlantic, based on “common values and interests” and economic, social and cultural ties. Another point emphasized is that cooperation and relationships “must take into account the differences in our levels of economic and social development”.
The document, which emphasizes the need to respect human rights and combat discrimination, “acknowledges and deeply regrets the immeasurable suffering inflicted on millions of men, women and children by the transatlantic trade in enslaved persons.” the trade in enslaved persons are “tragic atrocities in the history of mankind, not only because of their terrible barbarism, but also because of their magnitude”.