INTERNATIONAL June 2019

✪ LATIN AMERICAN BULLETIN ✪

International law must be observed in Latin America -Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney

THE Sinn BY “The crisis in Venezuela should “The rest of the international community Féin National DECLAN be a cause of grave concern for the also has a duty to act responsibly. Chairperson, KEARNEY international community. “The current negotiations initiative Declan Kearney Sinn Féin “Domestic political divisions, sponsored by the Norwegian government MLA, has National disagreements and instability within in Oslo between the Venezuelan Chairperson called on the Venezuela should be resolved through government and opposition is a very international proper dialogue and negotiation. positive and significant development community “Positive calls have been made for and should be supported by all within to assist in the resolution of the ongoing dialogue between all sides by the UN. the international community who are crisis in Venezuela. “Earlier this year, the Mexican, Uruguayan committed to helping to achieve a Welcoming the latest negotiations and Bolivian governments sought to play a negotiated democratic settlement in initiative taken by the Norwegian constructive role in helping to facilitate a Venezuela. government, Mr Kearney said: negotiated process without preconditions. “International law must be observed.”

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Hugo Ramos Milanés OPINION Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in Ireland Latin America united, like silver at the core of the Andes

IN LATIN America and the and peaceful conflict resolution for destabilizing legitimate Caribbean, perhaps in like no as reflected in the Montevideo governments, justifying other region over the last 20 Mechanism, activated with the interference in domestic affairs years, two contradictory positions mediation of Mexico, Uruguay, and imposing different political have been in conflict over the way Bolivia and other members of the regimes. to administer the resources of Caribbean Community (Caricom) We hold Caribbean people in the region for the benefit of our to safeguard peace in Venezuela. our hearts, not only in the face of peoples. We condemn the application climate adversity but also in the On one hand, regional of unilateral coercive measures face of discriminatory restrictions oligarchies, international contrary to the Purposes and to access international aid corporations and imperialist Principles of the Charter of the and finance. The demand for forces have attempted to United Nations and international compensation to be given to implement neoliberal policies law. These measures, repeatedly the Caribbean people for the which have been unable to rejected by UN General Assembly genocide of the indigenous address inequality, poverty resolutions, violate the freedom population, and the atrocities of and underdevelopment issues of trade and navigation, they the slave trade, is only fair. of this region. Our cities are threaten international peace and Haiti, the first nation to falsely portrayed as beautiful security, and interfere with the achieve independence within this European cities full of luxurious enjoyment of other human rights. region, has been abandoned to mansions and skyscrapers. The international community it’s fate after being devastated Beyond this depiction, slums, Hugo Ramos Milanés, Ambas- has repeatedly called for the by earthquakes, hurricanes unemployment, lack of health sador of the Republic of Cuba United States to lift the economic, and epidemic outbreaks. No care and education and food in Ireland. commercial and financial international aid or major poverty are a consequence of blockade on Cuba. This blockade investment pledged to regenerate both, public expenditure cuts and politically-motivated judicial is a flagrant and systematic the country ever materialized. privatizations. process, he has already been violation of human rights of the This constitutes clear evidence of On the other hand, progressive imprisoned. Nicolás Maduro and Cuban people. Moreover, the the double standards inherent in forces, along with their Daniel Ortega have been branded decision of the US government to some diplomatic services. leadership, have stepped in to dictators, not to mention the activate Title III of the Helms- Cuba has reaffirmed its nationalize significant natural endless onslaught on the late Burton Act to reinforce the commitment to peace and resources and essential services Fidel and his brother Raul Castro. extraterritorial jurisdiction of the cooperation and stressed the for the benefit of the people. As Despite this, Fidel’s worldwide blockade on Cuba is unacceptable need to reinforce the Community a result, millions have escaped recognition and political and has also fuelled opposition. of Latin American and Caribbean food poverty, unemployment, influence remain as strong as his This decision will result in further States (CELAC), a mechanism for and lack of education and undefeated legacy. deterioration of international regional political consultation housing. Health services have In spite of the Proclamation of economic and trade relations which strictly adheres to reached millions of people, Latin America and the Caribbean between Cuba and other states. International Law. CELAC including isolated indigenous region as a Peace Area by their Although I hesitated whether advocates for peaceful resolution communities that we need to Heads of State and Government or not to mention a discredited of conflicts, self-determination, protect. These communities in the Second Summit of the organization like the OAS, I territorial integrity and inhabit jungles that are strategic Community of Latin American cannot fail to denounce the fact sovereignty whilst rejecting the reserves of biodiversity which are and Caribbean States (CELAC – that it’s General Secretary has use of force and interference endangered by the devastating Havana, 2014), the escalation of betrayed Our America’s highest in the domestic affairs of effects of profit-seeking aggression against Our America ideals. He has knelt before those independent nations. multinational corporations. is extremely concerning. Actions intending to reinstate the Monroe We extend our profound These progressive forces have such as the threat of force Doctrine, an old expression of the gratitude to all those, in Europe resisted internal and external against Venezuela represent a USA’s imperialist ambition over and elsewhere in the world, who aggression, and attempts to threat to our peace and security America that represents the most raise their voices in solidarity destabilize our legitimately and contribute to destabilizing serious threat to peace in the with the peoples of Latin elected governments, time and the region. hemisphere. America and the Caribbean. The again. We advocate for non- Bogus human rights concerns struggle to achieve the vision of Even if Lula’s alleged crime is intervention in internal affairs, are being used selectively for independence, held dear by our yet to be proven in an ongoing sovereign equality of States political reasons as a pretext national heroes, goes on.

Title taken from the essay of Jose Martí “Our America” (1/1/1891) “It is time to get together and march in close ranks, like silver at the core of the Andes […]”

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Rocío Maneiro OPINION Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Ireland

Rocío Maneiro, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Ireland Venezuela will withstand attacks on its sovereignty “There have been already four sessions of the United Nations Security Council dedicated to Venezuela, and while all this is happening, systematic violation of International Law and attacks on the country are taking place...”

SINCE 2015, when former US President oil, and obstructed the operations of the At this very moment Venezuela is being Barack Obama presented Venezuela to the Venezuelan Central Bank (BCV), specifically aired permanently, not only in the media International Community as “an unusual its dollar accounts abroad, the country has and political statements, but in the United and extraordinary threat to the national lost an estimated $30 billion. If we count Nations, as if it were a threat to world security and foreign policy of the United the losses since 2015 up to now, they rocket peace. There have been already four States”, Venezuela is under siege. A set of to $130 billion. sessions of the United Nations Security unilateral coercive measures are breaking Alongside this strategy, International Council dedicated to Venezuela, and while down the social and economic functioning Law is suffering greatly. In order to destroy all this is happening, systematic violation of the country and the capacity of the State Bolivarian Venezuela, the US is destroying of International Law and attacks on the to control its energy and financial assets the law that rules the international country are taking place, as the blockade abroad. community and these principles, embedded continues non-stop, along with threats of This blockade is escalating in the in the United Nations Charter: non- military intervention. face of the international community. intervention in internal affairs, equality The Venezuelan People do not accept From January - May 2019, because of US among states before the International Law, threats. On the contrary, history shows that President Trump’s Executive Order 3850 and respect of sovereignty and territorial their response to threats has never been that blocked the operations of PDVSA, integrity, among others. These Principles submission, but bravery and unity in the the state owned oil company; prohibited must be in full force for all of us, because face of adversity. Let us see what the future private US oil companies to buy Venezuelan the contrary would be chaos. holds.

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Guisell Morales-Echaverry OPINION Ambassador of Nicaragua to the U.K., Ireland and Iceland Nicaragua and Latin America under attack PEOPLE from Nicaragua, Cuba, ● Becoming the 5th most gender Venezuela and all over the world equal country in the world. are living in very difficult times ● Changing the energy matrix which are exacerbated by the from 25% to over 60% of rise of right-wing nationalism, renewables. fascism, interventionism, ● Becoming the 2nd fastest imperialism and neo-liberalism. growing economy in the region, The combined effect of these with an average growth of 5.2% forces represents a systematic for the past 6 years to 2018. attack on International Law, ● Having the best indicators and also against progressive of human security in the region, governments because of their being the safest country in committed defence of national Central America and Caribbean. sovereignty, independence and ● Reinstating free education right to self-determination. and health for all. A renewed aggression against ● Introducing of the highest Nicaragua materialised during levels of workers’ rights an attempted coup d’état protection and participation in between April and July of 2018, trade unions in the world. with waves of violent protests Earlier this year, the Nicaraguan and social media warfare Government, led by President planned and executed by radical Ortega, initiated a process political opposition groups of political dialogue with the disguised as NGO’s, with links Guisell Morales-Echaverry, Ambassador of Nicuragua to the opposition, which was mediated by to organised crime, and financed UK, Ireland and Iceland the Papal Nuncio and a delegate from by foreign organisations, led to The current aggression seeks to the Organisation of American States. assassinations, burning of people alive, overthrow by force the legitimate The ongoing discussions started in kidnappings, torture, extortion, looting, government and institutions of Nicaragua, March 2019 and thanks to the goodwill of obstruction of public roads, arson and which were democratically elected in 2016 the Government, some of the important destruction of hospitals, schools and public with 72% of the vote and the participation progress includes the releasing of buildings. of over 60% of eligible citizens, in prisoners involved in crimes committed This phase of violence resulted in a an electoral process monitored by in the failed coup attempt. This release death toll of 198 people, the majority of international observers recognised by the programme will conclude by June 18. whom were bystanders and government European Union, Organisation of American Whilst the Government continues to supporters, and included 22 police officers, States and United Nations. This followed comply with the signed agreements and eight government workers, five higher by the electoral victories of the present participate in the negotiation process, education and four secondary education Sandinista government in 2006 (38% of the opposition forces continue to call for students. 1,240 people were injured, votes) and 2011 (62% of votes). foreign intervention and sanctions that of which 401 were police wounded by Since taking power after the 2006 affect the majority of Nicaraguans. In a firearms. election and following the previous 16 negative development they have recently An orchestrated political hostility years of rule by a neo liberal government, withdrawn from the negotiations. has continued in the period since and, the Sandinista government under President The Sandinista Government is following petitions and lobbying by Ortega has brought about huge positive undeterred. We will continue moving members of this opposition group, the US economic and social change. In just over forward with dignity, inspired by our administration approved the ‘Nicaraguan a decade, it has been able to introduce national spirit and sovereignty. Investment Conditionality Act’ (NICA), to transformational social programmes and We are resolved to consolidating impose a financial blockade preventing achievements; such as: freedom, and fraternity for the common Nicaragua from accessing funds from ● Reducing general poverty from 48.3% to good of all our people. multilateral financial organisations to help 24.9%, and extreme poverty from 17.2% to The Sandinista revolution remains finance development, as they have done in 6.9%. dedicated, strong and proud of our Venezuela and Cuba. democratic process.

@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN PAGE 5 Venezuela and Latin America today: A ‘new doctrine’ of peaceful co-existence and co-operation is required

BY FOR over one hundred years DECLAN political and economic events in Latin America have been KEARNEY intertwined with the foreign Sinn Féin policy objectives and interests National Chairperson of successive United States (US) administrations, and the influence of wider geo-political factors, such as the cold war. “The context of In 1823 President James Monroe made a unilateral today’s internal declaration to the US Congress political that America would not interfere in European affairs, and that instability in any European attempt to colonise a nation in the Western Venezuela hemisphere would be viewed is directly as an act of aggression against the US. against Cuba. The immediate catalyst for As a result, the Monroe linked to what The doctrine has been used the most recent instability in Doctrine was borne. to legitimise US involvement in Venezuela has been the election has been America’s naval and military at least 18 attempts at regime of Nicolas Maduro as President significance grew throughout change in Latin America since in May 2018, followed by his described as a the 19th century as its economic, 1945, including Guatemala, Cuba, inauguration in January this year. industrial and maritime power radicalisation Chile, and Grenada; as well as However, the current US led increased. direct military support for right efforts to isolate this Venezuelan of US foreign In 1904 President Theodore wing forces during the political government within the continent Roosevelt expanded the remit of conflicts in Bolivia, El Salvador and internationally did not policy...” the doctrine with the corollary and Nicaragua, and elsewhere, begin with President Maduro’s that the US could exercise the during the 1960’s, 1970’s and election or inauguration. role of ‘international police 1980’s. This political hostility stems power’ throughout the Americas. Today the Monroe Doctrine back to the election of President By the 1930’s the US had continues to permeate US Hugo Chavez in December 1998. annexed Puerto Rico, occupied foreign policy and influence the But in more recent years Cuba, and encouraged a thinking of the most hawkish political divisions within rebellion in Panama after the elements of the US military and Venezuela have also intensified. proposal for the inter-oceanic political establishment. In 2015 opposition political canal was rejected. The context of today’s parties won the Assembly During the cold war the internal political instability in elections and since then Monroe Doctrine assumed even Venezuela is directly linked to have been in dispute with the greater importance as America’s what has been described as Country’s Supreme court due justification for protecting its a radicalisation of US foreign to allegations that under their interests in the Latin America policy, resulting in deeper influence the Assembly acted at and the Caribbean region. polarisation and tension in variance with the authority of In 1962 President John F Venezuela itself, and more the constitution. Kennedy referenced the Monroe generally across Latin America A drift towards serious Doctrine to justify introducing and the Caribbean. physical conflict was arrested the US economic blockade

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with elections to the new is a functioning multi party their mortgage, while those “In the last Citizens National Assembly in state. on twice the minimum wage 2017. In recent times the US have a 50% subsidy. Banks six years Moderate sections of the has imposed new punitive have also been required Venezuela’s political opposition which had sanctions on the Venezuelan to underpin the housing continued to participate in the oil industry, and refused to programme by allocating 20% ‘Great Housing democratic process recognise rule out military intervention of their funds for mortgages the legitimacy of the Maduro unless its demands are met. arrangements. Mission’ has government. Others within the Before the current Now the country continues succeeded in opposition which boycotted crisis ground breaking to be gripped by a combined the Presidential elections in social achievements political and economic crisis. building 2.5 May 2018 now claim the result were implemented by the At its crux is America’s was rigged and that Nicolas Venezuelan administrations desire for regime change in million new Maduro has no democratic under Presidents Chavez and Venezuela because of the mandate. Maduro, including extensive continued existence of a homes, with an This position was most programmes to significantly Chavismo government which overall target sharply brought into focus reduce unemployment, expand conflicts with current US with Juan Guaido’s self- free healthcare and education, foreign policy objectives in of 5 million proclamation as Venezuelan and introduce an impressive Latin America; and crucially, President on 23 January. house building programme. the issue of strategic control by 2025.” The US immediately In the last six years over Venezuelan oil reserves endorsed Guaido and Venezuela’s ‘Great Housing and revenues. demanded that Nicolas Mission’ has succeeded in Earlier this year John Bolton, Maduro resign. building 2.5 million new US National Security Advisor, Not since Fidel Castro’s homes, with an overall was reported as having told early years in power has target of 5 million by 2025. Fox News that; a Latin American head of Each home is owned by the ‘It will make a big difference State been so relentlessly tenant: the poorest applicants to the US economically if demonised, and yet Venezuela receive a 100% subsidy on we could have American oil

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companies really invest in in the US. calculate that these sanctions and produce oil capabilities in Prior to this most recent have resulted in the deaths of “Economists Venezuela.’ escalation, US financial 40,000 Venezuelan civilians US political hostility sanctions have already cost between 2017 and 2018. Mark Weisbrot towards Venezuela has had the Venezuelan government Moreover, they point out that and Jeffrey negative repercussions for over $6 billion in lost revenue this death toll is merely the the economy. These began since August 2017. start of what is to come. Sachs in with the introduction of Moreover, the British Earlier this year the trade restrictions in 2006; government has blocked international community their report... the subsequent imposition the transfer of £1.2 billion of watched as the US proposed calculate that of international economic Venezuelan gold deposits in humanitarian aid programme sanctions, and then the the Bank of England. became a highly contentious these sanctions withdrawal of multinational Venezuela is now in to issue. corporate investments. its sixth year of economic The US plan, coordinated have resulted The new oil embargo contraction. by Juan Guiado, was viewed is currently costing the These severe economic and with deep suspicion by the in the deaths Venezuelan economy $30 financial sanctions are having Venezuelan administration. of 40,000 million a day. a devastating effect upon the Former UN rapporteur Alfred A prohibition on economic crisis which faces Maunier de Zayas described Venezuelan corporations under US hyperinflation, collapsing this aid as a potential Trojan jurisdiction from purchasing oil prices, a black market horse comparable to how it civilians oil from PDVSA, Venezuela’s economy, and corruption. was used in Nicaragua in the between 2017 state oil company, is denying As a stark illustration of the 1980’s to import contraband PDVSA $11 billion in revenues human cost of US sanctions, and weapons to support the and 2018.” during 2019. Economists Mark Weisbrot Contras. In addition, the assets and Jeffrey Sachs in their The crisis in Venezuela of Houston based PDVSA report—“Economic Sanctions should be a cause of grave subsidiary, CITGO, with a value as Collective Punishment: The concern for the international of $7 billion, have been frozen Case of Venezuela” (April 2019) community.

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Domestic political divisions, disagreements and instability within Venezuela should be resolved through proper dialogue and negotiation. Positive calls have been made for dialogue between all sides by the UN. Earlier this year, the Mexican, Uruguayan and Bolivian governments sought to play a constructive role in helping to facilitate a negotiated process without preconditions. The rest of the international community also has a duty to act responsibly. The current negotiations initiative sponsored by the Norwegian government in Oslo between the Venezuelan government and opposition is a very positive and significant development and should be supported by all within the international community who are committed to helping to achieve a negotiated democratic settlement in Venezuela. International law must be observed. The democratic and human rights of all Venezuelan citizens should be protected. Outside interference with the democratic sovereignty of the country will only cause further destabilisation. There is a real danger that the ongoing Sinn Féin activists, Fra McCann MLA, Danny Lavery, Jim McVeigh and Tam Donlon, at re- Venezuelan crisis; the sudden eruption cent ‘Hands off Venezuela!’ protest in Belfast. of political instability and violence in Nicaragua in April 2018, after twelve the total ignorance of history and human civilised cooperation. years of political stability and economic nature.” The UN and those committed to growth; and, the latest intensification The concept of foreign intervention international laws and conventions must of the economic blockade against Cuba and regime change in Latin America and oppose any attempts at orchestrating under Title 111 of the Helms-Burton the Caribbean is in absolute violation anti-democratic activity or violence in Act; are in fact proxies for a concerted of multilateralism, and the rules and Venezuela by outside forces. strategy aimed at destabilising conventions which are needed to The entire international community progressive countries across the region, maintain global peace, stability and needs to be working together to help the which do not conform with the prevailing solidarity in the modern world. people of Venezuela, and not make the Washington consensus. The doctrine which really needs to situation worse. These developments seem to dovetail be promoted in Latin America in 21st The alternative is too disastrous for with bellicose White House public Century is one of peaceful the people of the region and wider commentary in February which coexistence, political international community to even spoke explicitly about the respect and contemplate. need for regime change not only in Venezuela, but also Nicaragua, and Cuba. “In a telling insight to the In a telling insight to the ideological motivation for ideological interference in Venezuela, US motivation for interference in President Trump has declared Venezuela, US President Trump that the “twilight hour of has declared socialism has arrived in our that the “twilight hour of socialism hemisphere. Socialism is a sad has arrived in our hemisphere”. and discredited ideology rooted He also added: in the total ignorance of history and “Socialism is a sad and discredited ideology rooted in human nature.”

@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN PAGE 9 Sinn Féin attend Venezuelan Presidential inauguration

SINN Féin representatives Conor Murphy MLA and Dawn Doyle, General Secretary, travelled to Venezuela to attend the Presidential inauguration of Nicolás Maduro Moros at the invitation of the Venezuelan Government in Caracas on 10 January 2019. The Sinn Féin representatives were part of an international delegation of progressive political forces expressing their solidarity to the people of Venezuela. Conor Murphy said: “Nicolás Maduro Moros was democratically elected by the Venezuelan people to serve as their President during the term 2019 - 2025. This is a particularly difficult and challenging period for the citizens of Venezuela. “We used our presence in Venezuela to express our continuing solidarity to the people supporting their legitimate demands to build a just and equal society free from foreign intervention. “We also took the opportunity to meet with many of the other international guests and media to provide them with an update on the current situation in Ireland; discussing the negative impact of Brexit for all the Irish people and our on-going campaign for national reunification.” Conor Murphy with Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Jorge Arreaza.

Sinn Féin MP, Elisha McCallion with Cuban Sinn Féin MP’s, Francie Molloy and Paul Maskey, with Dr Mariela Castro President Miguel Díaz-Canel. (daughter of former Cuban President Raúl Castro).

@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN PAGE 10 Kearney extends Sinn Féin leadership’s solidarity on 60th anniversary of Cuban revolution Cuba an inspiration for freedom loving people all over the world

BY DECLAN KEARNEY Sinn Féin National Chairperson

ON 1st January 1959, following the victory of Che Guevara’s forces at the Battle of Santa Clara the previous day, the Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista fled Cuba marking the end of his regime in Cuba. Batista’s flight paved the way for the Cuban revolution taking power. 2019 will see events taking place all over the globe in celebration of both the anniversary of the Cuban revolution and its ongoing Declan Kearney MLA with Hugo Ramos (Cuban Ambassador to Ireland) and Teresita Vicente Soto- resilience. longo (Cuban Ambassador to Britain). Events will also be held in Ireland and very recently of the US blockade on Cuba, loving people all over the to countries throughout in Belfast, Mayor Deirdre and the new draft Cuban world. Latin America and Africa. Hargey hosted an event at Constitution which will be The Cuban Government has Progressive people who are Belfast City Hall to mark this put to the Cuban people in a consistently demonstrated genuinely committed to the milestone. referendum later this year. to the world that a nation’s transformation of society I was also delighted to host I provided the people are its greatest have much to learn from the Cuban Ambassadors to Ambassadors with an update asset, and that it is the role the Cuban Revolution since both Ireland and Britain, Hugo on the political situation in of government to serve 1959. Ramos and Teresita de Jesús Ireland, north and south, its people. In prioritising For our part, Sinn Féin Vicente Sotolongo at the Sinn and on the deep, systemic health and education, the will continue to stand in Féin offices on the Falls Road. political crisis in the north Cuban Government has solidarity with the Cuban This was the very first time arising from the ongoing succeeded in virtually both the Cuban Ambassadors denial of democracy and eradicating infant mortality people and against those to Ireland and Britain have rights. and achieving almost one who oppose them. jointly visited the north. We also discussed the hundred percent literacy On this occasion of During our meeting, the future relationship between with the Cuban population. the Revolution’s 60th Ambassadors provided Sinn Féin and the Cuban Cuba is also an exemplar anniversary it is appropriate an update on the current Government. in terms of its commitment to recall the iconic words: situation in Cuba, the Cuba continues to be an to international solidarity “Hasta la victoria siempre.” continuing negative impact inspiration for freedom through its practical support Cuba Libre!

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