Seventh Summit of the Association of Caribbean States: A Success

HAVANA, Cuba, Jun 4 (acn) Manuel Aguilera de la Paz, general director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described as successful, during press conference in this capital, the Seventh Summit of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS)
At the Press Office fit out at the Habana Libre Hotel, Aguilera de la Paz said that debates with substance, with harmony, and coincidence on fundamental issues, and the high participation of Heads of State and Government, characterized the momentous meeting.
Appearing in the Declaration of Havana and its Plan of Action for 2016-2018 adopted by general consent are common positions on the major problems to be faced and proposals on immediate tasks. The two texts reaffirm the essence of the ACS in its charter, and its importance as a body of consultation to make progress in Caribbean unity for the benefit of the peoples, Aguilera added.
The essential documents confirm the validity of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, adopted at the Second Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), held in Havana in January 2014.
The Declaration also includes the agreement to work towards the consolidation of CELAC and stresses the importance of strengthening links between the Community and the ACS.
The official also stressed that the challenges and threats derived from climate change were discussed in depth both in the Declaration and in the speeches during the meeting of Heads of State and Government and other heads of delegations held on Saturday.
Also on Saturday, two special communiques, one in solidarity with Venezuela, expressing unanimous support for the efforts of dialogue between the government and the opposition, with accompanying support of UNASUR, were also approved. Another proclamation acknowledged and expresses gratefulness to the commendable work of Alfonso Munera as Secretary General of the ACS for four years, who will be replaced Dr. June Soomer, of St. Lucia, starting from August 1st.
The admission of Saint Martin as the eighth associate member was also approved at the Seventh Summit of the ACS, while Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Uruguay and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Trade Treaty of the Peoples joined as observers, so that now nations and observer organizations total 34.
The speeches of the Heads of State and Government, and the documents adopted at the Summit, expressed the unanimous will of further strengthening the unity of the region and the role of the ACS as a body not only of cooperation but also of political consultation and coordination.
On behalf of the government and the Cuban people Manuel Aguilera expressed appreciation to the members of the ACS for supporting the fair demands related to the cessation of the economic blockade imposed by the United States on the island, and the return of the territory of the Guantanamo Naval Base.