For Life, Sovereignty and Peace!
Jorge Pérez Cruz reported on the World Anti-imperialist Encounter: For Life, Sovereignty and Peace, which met “to define strategies for the development and future of humanity” (informacion@granmai.cu, posted January 23, 2020 13:01:38, accessed January 26, 2020). Some 1500 delegates from 72 countries on five continents attended as an international gathering against imperialism during two days in January.
Cruz wrote: “Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros stated that the two-day event was ‘bringing together political movements, leaders, and social movements of the expanded Sao Paulo Forum, to draft an agenda for 2020,’ at the Hotel Alba Caracas, while Victor Gaute López, member of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee Secretariat, noted, ‘Cuba and Venezuela are not responsible for the anger of the peoples rebelling against the recycled neoliberalism being imposed with blood and fire,’ and called on progressive and left parties, organizations and social movements to reach and strengthen unity in diversity, focusing on what we agree on, rather than cultural, regional, ethnic or religious differences.”
On January 23, the first panel of the encuentro featured a professor from Syria, a trade union leader from Brazil, and an official from the Communist Party of Cuba. Diosdado Cabello, a member of the National Assembly from the Venezuelan United Socialist Party (PSUV) was one of the opening speakers. His presentation underscored the value and necessity for the Bolivarian struggle of the people in Venezuela. It has persisted despite US imperialist aggression, economic warfare, interference, propaganda and trickery over the last 20 years. The Venezuelan people are continuing their march to defend sovereignty, their dignity and for socialism. When Latin American states have kowtowed to the US, conflict, poverty and destruction have resulted. Just look at Colombia, Brazil and Paraguay.
In his closing plenary speech on January 24, Nicolas Maduro summed up the collective sentiments, political positions and objectives of this global gathering (“Clausura del Encuentro Mundial Antiimperialista,” https://www.facebook.com/NicolasMaduro/videos/1454783598036346/, posted on January 24, 2020 and accessed January 27, 2020). First of all, said Maduro, this event was an event of Caracas, an accomplishment for Caracas. Second, he said, it launches an important year of worldwide mobilization, solidarity and struggle against imperialism for liberation. Third, this meeting was important for Venezuela and the movement of the people against imperialism, the Right and the attacks by the news media. Fourth, it represented Latin American struggles for social justice and liberation, especially for Chile, Colombia and the indigenous peoples of Bolivia and Ecuador.
President Maduro next paid tribute to Hugo Chavez and all his followers. The people of Venezuela have been reclaiming just peace and we must sound the call far and wide for just peace. He remarked that President Chavez marched among millions in the streets who were together striving to realize their dreams.
President Maduro then spoke about international solidarity. He clarified that all the peoples of the American continents are Americans; they are compatriots fighting for peace with social justice. The empire steals from and exploits all the peoples of the world. It attacks and persecutes us all, so we all have a common enemy. Here at this meeting, people of 72 countries have united. President Maduro claimed that 62% of the world’s peoples want some alternative to neo-liberalism. We have grand objectives: overcoming climate change, poverty and oppression, war and interventions in the name of peace. We have a right to a new world and a new world is possible. We march together for truth.
The subsequent topic President Maduro addressed was the situation facing the people of the Middle East (aka West Asia). He expressed deep concern for and solidarity with the peoples of Syria, Iraq and Libya. He condemned the US hostilities against Iran and militarization in the region. At the same time, he denounced Islamic fundamentalism, stating that it offers no benefit to the people. The people of Venezuela have taken up solidarity work for the people in many Middle Eastern countries. There are solidarity “clubs” or “houses” for Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, etc. in many cities in Venezuela.
The anti-imperialist people of the world are united by ideas, spirit and strength, said President Maduro. Furthermore, he declared that Venezuela is at the center of the people’s movements of resistance to imperialism and for change. It is not about him, he pointed out; rather, it is a historical momentum for life, a necessity for the peoples to march together for social progress and real and lasting peace.
President Maduro concluded this speech with comments on the democratic process of the Venezuelan government and made an announcement in that light. He defended the Venezuelan constitution, which he described as a product of the democratizing republic and its legitimate electoral process. The electoral process functions well and voting is free. The people of Venezuela and the Bolivarian government will not let foreign interventions and the Right to paralyze it. The US is scheming to have the constitution destroyed. However, the value of this constitution can be measured by the social and economic gains enjoyed by the people. The Venezuelan Bolivarian revolution, one year after the coup attempt on February 23, 2019, is now stronger than ever!
There is an investigation into the wealth has stolen from Venezuela with the aid of Juan Guaido, added Maduro. There will be justice!
Finally, President Maduro expressed gratitude for the international solidarity demonstrated at this conference. The programming at this event was precious and special. The delegates were all invited because of all their hard work and pledges of solidarity for Venezuela and Latin America. He announced an invitation to all Bolivarian Venezuela’s supporters to attend, observe, assist and verify the elections of the National Assembly in 2020. “We will show the world that this is a model democracy, the best in the world!” he declared.
Also, there will be a global day of solidarity with the people of Bolivia on February 25, 2020. The last announcement for action was the planning of a second anti-imperialist gathering in 2021.
JUST PEAce COMMITTEE 