Latin American and European Leaders Denounce US Actions Against Venezuela

During a summit focused on cooperation between Latin America and Europe, the US’s actions in the Caribbean could not be avoided

On Monday, during a high-level summit between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU) in Santa Marta, Colombia, leaders from Latin America and the European Union called for peace and diplomacy, denouncing the United States’ actions in the Caribbean in a joint statement. The declaration covered many issues, such as food insecurity, climate change, and freedom of expression, and how all nations can participate in addressing the region’s most pressing needs through cooperation.

The joint statement highlighted various concerns regarding US actions in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, saying in part, “We reiterate our opposition to the threat or use of force and to any action that is not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” denouncing the country’s unilateral and violent actions against the sovereign citizens of Latin American and Caribbean countries.

“We addressed the importance of maritime security and regional stability in the Caribbean. We agreed on the relevance of international cooperation, mutual respect, and full compliance with international law, including in the fight against transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking,” reads the statement (translated). “Several CELAC Member States highlighted their national positions regarding the situation in the Caribbean and the Pacific. We reiterated our commitment to strengthening mechanisms for dialogue, coordination, and technical assistance to jointly address these challenges.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro hosted the summit. While the meeting is typically focused on international cooperation, digital development, and sustainable energy, Petro made it clear in his opening statement that the meeting would also address US aggression despite EU leaders allegedly hoping to sidestep the issue. Petro made it a point to highlight how at least one of those killed was a fisherman from Santa Marta, where the summit was held.

“The same missiles that fall on Gaza fall here in the Caribbean, on poor people,” said Petro. “In light of international treaties, in light of democracy and freedom in the world, he was simply murdered. It was an extrajudicial execution.

Petro said he hoped the meeting would serve as “a beacon of light in a world where barbarism is advancing.” Similarly, Brazilian President Lula da Silva had previously stated that the summit would be pointless if they didn’t “discuss this issue of US warships in Latin American waters.” In his opening statement, Lula condemned the US’s actions during the meeting and denounced the US’s violations of international law.

“The threat of the use of military force has once again become part of daily life in Latin America and the Caribbean. Old rhetorical maneuvers are being recycled to justify illegal operations,” said Lula. “We are a region of peace, and we want to remain at peace. Democracies do not fight crime by violating international law. Democracy also succumbs when crime corrupts institutions.”

None of the leaders of far-right governments in Latin America attended the meeting and opted to send lower-level officials. Javier Milei sent Argentina’s acting Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs. Paraguay dispatched its Deputy Foreign Minister, and Nayib Bukele sent El Salvador’s Director of Foreign Policy. Ecuador, which recently brokered deals with the US, despite having leaders with alleged ties to drug smuggling operations, didn’t even send a representative.

The day before the meeting, President Petro accused the US of trying to undermine the event by pressuring Caribbean countries not to attend. If true, the attempt apparently failed. It’s worth noting that the US also tried to influence the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution denouncing the US’s unilateral and oppressive actions against Cuba for more than six decades. That resolution was also mentioned at the joint summit.

“The countries that supported United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/80/7 of October 29, 2025, reiterate the need to end the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed against Cuba, as well as their opposition to laws and regulations with extraterritorial effects,” reads the joint statement (translated). “The designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, and its continued inclusion on that list, has created obstacles to international financial transactions with the island.”

For a nation that boasts “spreading democracy,” the United States is quite undemocratic on the world stage. That has been more evident over the last several years than at any other time in recent history. When the world votes for peace and the US vetoes the resolutions, it becomes clear that high-ranking US government officials want war more than they do peace. War puts money in their pockets. Peace rarely does.

---

I’m an independent investigative journalist who enjoys digging deeper into the stories you see on the news. Find my work at Unicorn Riot, The Antagonist Magazine, Latino Rebels, Orinoco Tribune, and more. I’m also on TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, and Threads. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a donation via Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App.