Dominican Civil Society Rejects Exclusion of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua from Summit of the Americas
Dominican civil society organizations have condemned President Luis Abinader’s decision to exclude Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua from the upcoming Summit of the Americas, scheduled to take place in the Dominican Republic, reports 24brussels.
In a statement, multiple social movements expressed their disapproval, citing a tradition of resisting colonialism and foreign interference. They assert that the decision violates the Dominican Constitution, international law, and undermines the spirit of brotherhood among nations. The groups argue that the exclusion reflects a capitulation to the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS), institutions they accuse of historically serving U.S. interests.
The organizations criticized the OAS for its role in endorsing U.S. military interventions, specifically referencing its backing of the 1965 invasion of the Dominican Republic by American forces.
According to the statement, the Summit of the Americas fails to serve as a genuine forum for dialogue, but instead operates as a mechanism for the U.S. to assert its dominance and interfere in the affairs of other states.
President Abinader was specifically admonished for his perceived role as a “governor of a colony,” prioritizing foreign interests over the Dominican Republic’s historical commitment to sovereignty and solidarity.
In response to the exclusion, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez voiced concern over the imposed decision by the U.S. government, calling for a re-examination of the Summit’s legitimacy.
The organizations emphasized that this stance does not reflect the views of the Dominican populace or the broader Latin American and Caribbean identity, known as Patria Grande.
They urged social, union, peasant, student, and community organizations both within the Dominican Republic and throughout Abya Yala to oppose what they describe as a colonial imposition and advocate for a more inclusive Summit that emphasizes solidarity and national sovereignty.
These advocates assert that the Caribbean should remain a Zone of Peace, demanding the removal of U.S. military presence from the region and condemning unilateral attacks that have resulted in the deaths of Caribbean youth.
The statement concludes with a firm rejection of any engagement by the Dominican navy in operations deemed imperialistic under the guise of combating drug trafficking, stressing that genuine unity in Latin America can only be achieved through inclusivity, respect, and defense of each nation’s sovereignty.
