27/04/2010
ALBA embassies in London speak on Latin American integration at British centre for research

Representatives from four ALBA nations gathered at Canning House last week to explain the advances made by ALBA and other regional models of Latin American integration.

Counsellor Alvaro Sanchez, speaking on behalf of Venezuelan Ambassador Samuel Moncada, summarised the objectives of the new Venezuelan foreign policy, which he categorized as: sovereignty, multipolarity, solidarity, anti-colonialism, respect for international law and respect and protection for human kind and the environment. He further explained that all of these objectives overlap and reinforce each other in order to contribute with the integration of Latin America.

“Through ALBA, Petrocaribe and Unasur, Venezuela has been a leader in the creation of a Latin American pole of influence”, said Sanchez.

The Bolivian Ambassador, Beatriz Souviron, emphasized on the environmental aspects of ALBA. “The social movements of ALBA countries play a fundamental role to overcome the environmental crisis”, said Souviron.

To illustrate the hands-on approach of ALBA, the Cuban Ambassador, Rene Mujica, updated the audience about the situation in Haiti and how the ALBA countries were quick to send aid to the Haitian people. “There are currently 700 Cuban medical doctors serving in Haiti, along with 400 medical doctors from other countries, who have received training at the Latin American School of Medicine in Havana”, said Mujica.

Finally, Guisell Morales, the Nicaraguan Ambassador called for the end of the blockade against Cuba.

Over 100 people attended this event at Canning House which was organized by the trade union UNITE and the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign.

Press Unit of the Venezuelan Embassy in London