MNN. Mar. 23, 2013. CELAC is the “Community of the States of Latin America and the Caribbean”. It is a newly formed non-armed organization, established at a meeting in Caracas Venezuela on December 4, 2011. The late President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is one of the founders. President Sebastien Pinera of Chile is co-chair. 33 sovereign states of the Western Hemisphere are members, representing 600 million people. 
Canada and US cannot join. CELAC wants to deepen integration in the Americas; and to reduce the adverse influence of the US on the politics and economics of Latin American and Caribbean states. It is a defense against imperialism, to counter the presence of the US military, to weaken foreign political policies that prevent social development of Indigenous people while siphoning their resources.
CELAC is an alternative to the Organization of American States OAS organized by Washington DC in 1948, which tries to undermine and maintain control of these states. It does not meet the needs of the people.
One approach being considered to stop the US enhanced “drug war” violence is to legalize drugs. There would then be no reason for the US to arm drug cartels nor remain in these countries. They would not be able to maintain an illegal state of war against their neighbors to the south.
CELAC is seen as the road to peace. Another goal is to stop the Cuban embargo. Those Indigenous nations independent from Canada and US, can be considered for membership. Colonial band or tribal councils or any such entities would not be eligible. International law allows us the right to represent ourselves without permission from the colonial hierarchy. We have a right to pursue freedom and human rights. The power is with the people. The great law provides that we have a right to self-determination. As Carlos Santana sang:Changes “and we all know its better, yesterday has passed. Now let‘s all start the living for the one that‘s going to last”
Gringo go home!
MNN Mohawk Nation News kahentinetha2@yahoo.com For more news, books, workshops, to donate and sign up for MNN newsletters, go to www.mohawknationnews.com More stories at MNN Archives. Address: Box 991, Kahnawake [Quebec, Canada] J0L 1B0
