A New Political Context for the Americas: CELAC, the OAS and the UN

Guest: Carlos Ron, Venezuela Vice Minister of
Foreign Affairs for North America


On July 24, the 238th Anniversary of Simon Bolivar's birth,
Mexico's president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador addressed an
audience of foreign ministers and international dignitaries
saying: 


Let’s initiate a relationship in our hemisphere based on the
premise of George Washington, according to which “nations should
not take advantage of the misfortune of other peoples”.


I am aware that this is a complex issue that requires a new
political and economic outlook. The proposal is no more and no
less than to build something similar to the European Union, but
in accordance with our history, our reality, and our identities.
In this spirit, the replacement of the OAS by a truly autonomous
organization, not a lackey of anyone, but a mediator at the
request and acceptance of the parties in conflict, in matters of
human rights and democracy, should not be ruled out.


Serving as President Pro Tempore of CELAC, AMLO re-convened
members of the organization in Mexico City on September 18 after
a four year "pause". President Nicolas Maduro attended the
Summit representing Venezuela's democratically elected
government. Much of the Summit's conversation focused on
creating a unified Latin America and Caribbean economic bloc,
similar to the European Union, free to trade in a multi-polar
global framework.


September 21 the world witnessed the opening of the 2021 United
Nations General Assembly Debate. Thursday morning, 18
countries including Venezuela gathered to sign a declaration to
uphold the founding principles of the United Nations. The
countries are collectively known as the Group of Friends in
Defense of the UN Charter.


And, late September Venezuela Dialogue resumed in Mexico City for
a third round. It has been a powerful and evolutionary
summer in the Americas!  Join us for an informative and
inspiring conversation about how unity and multilateralism are
shaping current day Latin America and the Caribbean.


(this episode was recorded between two international locations
and contains occasional audio lapses).