Whoa! I did not realize Guatamalean and El Salvadorian gangs are working their way north into Mexico but apparently Mexico does and this is why they are reaching out to Russia and one reason for their criticism of unilateralism.
I knew about Fort Benning but not how far the gangs had advanced. #msg-http3204209
China was also trying to influence El Salvador’s March 21 elections, but missed. China is getting as close as possible to the United States and has made moves in Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic through its relationship with Cuba and the Panama Canal. Probably more to this list #msg-2572920
Thanks, you always have the good information.
-Am
Mexico Summit, a Giant Step Towards Multilateralism Dr. Sawraj Singh, MD, FICS
The just concluded summit of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the European Union was a giant step towards multi-lateralism as leaders from 58 countries gathered in Guadalajara, Mexico. The leaders criticized unilateralism and the prisoner abuse scandals in Iraq. This was the third such summit since 1999. The reality of a multi-polar world continues to unfold. The different centers of power are asserting their independence.
Europe wants to come out of the shadow of America and assert its own independent existence. Similarly, Latin America, which has been called America's backyard, is quickly emerging as an independent center. The coming together of Latin America and the European Union will accelerate the transformation of a unipolar world to a multipolar world. The final declaration condemned the forms of abuse, torture, and other cruel, inhumane, and degrading acts against persons including prisoners in any location in which they occur. The declaration stated, "We express our abhorrence at recent evidence of mistreatment of prisoners in Iraqi prisons." It also said, "Such abuse is contrary to international law, including the Geneva convention."
Vicente Fox, the President of Mexico (the host country), criticized unilateralism. Fox said, "Every country here is convinced that in the 21st century, the path to relations between nations is multilateralism." He also said, "Unilateralism can become a true threat." Fox declared that he wanted the United Nations to become a key player in world politics.
French President Jacques Chirac expressed his support for a strong United Nations and for jointly addressing problems of global security and necessity to use force. He stressed cooperation of all nations and also criticized the unilateral approach. The declaration also addressed issues of poverty, trade, security, health, and the environment. Haitian Prime Minister, Gerard Latorute, brought attention to the dangers of deforestation. He blamed deforestation for the recent deadly floods in Haiti and the Dominican Republic in which thousands of people have died. He warned that deforestation of the Amazon area in Brazil can have terrible consequences.
The summit intends to strengthen ties between Europe and Latin America. Trade between them will also get a big boost. Latin America is trying to diversify its trade. The biggest country with the largest economy in the region, Brazil, is trying to broaden its trade with China. Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took 400 Brazilian corporate executives to China during his recent trip there. Brazil considers this as one of the most important state visits. Last year trade between Brazil and China increased 69%. China has already become Brazil's third largest export destination after the United States and Argentina. Shanghai Baosteel group plans to build a two billion dollar mill to make steel slabs in Brazil. The growing trade of China with Latin America refreshes memories of China's trade with Africa in the sixties and the seventies. China built the Tanzam railway line (between Tanzania and Zambia) and greatly enhanced its relations with Africa. The African countries played a very important role in defeating the American-backed claim of Taiwan to the United Nations and finally restoring China's seat in the United Nations . Ambassadors from many African countries danced on the floor of the United Nations when the resolution to admit China was passed. There is no such precedent of expressing jubilation in the history of the United Nations. China wants to build similar relations with Latin America. We have to remember that the term "third world" (Tercer mundo in Spanish) was first used by the late Juan Peron of Argentina. Therefore, the concept of the third world originated in Latin America.
The Mexico Summit was not the only place where the Iraq war was criticized. The London-based Amnesty International in its annual report strongly criticized the US-led war on terror. According to the report, the war has produced the most sustained attack on human rights and international law in 50 years. The gap between the United States and Europe may widen even further if the differences between the American administration and British administration continue on the transfer of power to the new Iraqi government. The British want to give the new government full sovereignty while Americans want to give the American army the final say.
The Mexico summit proved to be one of many voices heard all over the world that are advocating a multilateral approach to solve the world's problems. These voices are getting stronger everyday.
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