ALBA POLITICAL DECLARATION OF THE SIXTH SUMMIT OF THE BOLIVARIAN ALTERNATIVE FOR THE PEOPLES OF OUR AMERICA

Transcription

1 ALBA POLITICAL DECLARATION OF THE SIXTH SUMMIT OF THE BOLIVARIAN ALTERNATIVE FOR THE PEOPLES OF OUR AMERICA Documents of the Sixth Summit On the occasion of the Sixth Summit of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our America, and the second anniversary of the TCP (Peoples Trade Agreement), Hugo Chavez Frias, Evo Morales, Daniel Ortega and Carlos Lage, along with Prime Ministers Roosevelt Skerrit, Ralph Gonsalves and Baldwin Spencer, and representatives of the Governments of Ecuador, Haiti, Uruguay, Honduras and Saint Kitts and Nevis, who attended this Summit as observers, gathered on 24 th -26 th January 2008, with the objective of analyzing the global economic and political situation, and highlighted the main trends that have contributed to the reality of Latin America and the Caribbean. During the analysis, Heads of State and Government have verified the existence of important indexes which point at a downturn in the United States Of America s economy during We have also witnessed the collapse of stock markets, the decline of the property sector, and the rising trend exhibited by interest rates, all of which have contributed to the deterioration of the situation, and therefore have affected those economies that are highly dependent on US influence. During the debate, Heads of State and Government agreed that the ongoing financial crisis, together with the internal debilitation caused by the war in Iraq, have generated a dangerously desperate situation within the Bush administration. This could account for the actions of the United States Government spokesperson, whose track of aggression against our nations seems to have escalated. The performance of the progressist and revolutionary governments of Latin America has been criticized on the pretext of drug trafficking. We have reasons to believe that, amidst the US ongoing electoral process, the Bush administration will become a larger threat to the peacefulness of the region. For this reason, we take this opportunity to alert the world about the North American empire s belligerent attitude began with a fact of transcendental importance for the region: the release of those held captive by the FARC, who were handed over to the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as a result of the humani-

2 tarian action instigated by president Hugo Chavez Frias and the support of various Executives, the international community and the consent of Colombia s Government. This event can signify the start of a peace process in our sister nation, a key development in the continuous advance of the integration process. For this reason, the Sixth Summit acknowledges and salutes the efforts made by the Bolivarian Government of Venezuela and by president Hugo Chavez, which resulted in the yearned-for event. Within the framework of evaluation of the ALBA s accomplishments, we point at the significant achievements attained through social programs in Bolivia, Nicaragua and Haiti, in the areas of health, education and alimentation. Under the ALBA s principles, PetroCaribe has experienced a successful consolidation, incorporating Honduras as a full member, with all the benefits that this membership will entail for our sister nation. In this respect, Heads of State of the ALBA acknowledge the success of the Fourth Summit of Petro- Caribe, held in Cuba. The compendium of agreements approved during the Fifth Summit of the ALBA-TCP, held in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, have been fulfilled in their entirety. A detailed review of our transnational projects has resulted in a more accurate time scale and therefore a more effective consolidation. We have also advanced in the conceptual definition of specific transnational projects and ventures, pointing at them as fundamental tools for the development of productive integration and a fair trade area between our nations. The transnational projects that were given priority are now ready for implementation. During the Summit s debates, it was agreed to approve the ALBA s Strategic Cultural Plan. This plan will be of invaluable aid for the transformation and union of our region. Imbued with this spirit, we were pleased to celebrate the award of the ALBA s Art prize, given to Mario Benedetti and Oscar Niemeyer, in acknowledgment to their lifelong dedication to the dissemination of our continent s culture. The institutional character of the ALBA has been reinforced by the enactment and regular functioning of the various decision-making bodies and working commissions. We have observed a qualitative and quantitative increase in the degree of cooperation between the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean,

3 through which we have contributed to the solution of serious social problems that affected the most impoverished nations, and that required our unreserved and humanitarian expression of solidarity. We ratify the ALBA as the alternative that will effectively equip the countries of America, so that they can stand up to the mechanisms of dependence that currently undermine their economic and politic sovereignty. We highlight the role of social movements in the construction of a powerful campaign, seconded by member countries of the ALBA, which will bring about the integration of socio-cultural, political and economic aspects. The Sixth Summit represents a transcendental step towards the consolidation of the ALBA as a strategic political alliance, which will commend the construction of an integration and unity model for our republics and the peoples who inhabit them. In this respect, we celebrate the incorporation of the Commonwealth of Dominica, our sister nation of the eastern Caribbean, honorably represented by Primer Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, as a full member of the ALBA. The emergence of the Bank of the ALBA signifies a decisive step towards the configuration of a new financial structure, which is now required to establish a solid ground from which productive projects can become feasible and sustainable. The Bank of the ALBA is bound to become a competent instrument in the financing of transnational economic projects and social programs of cooperation. Likewise, the Heads of State and Government have finalized the ALBA s permanent structure of coordination, through which we will be prepared to guarantee the development of projects, programs and plans, and to systematically evaluate them. For the reasons above stated, we consider that prospects for the immediate future are truly encouraging. What has been presented serves to strengthen our determination to advance, overcoming the obstacles constantly presented by the enemies of integration. We are firm in our conviction that the ALBA is the way forward, and no force will be able to dissuade us. With the unfaltering conviction that the conclusions reached at this Summit will help us open new spaces and consolidate newly implemented tools, the

4 Heads of State and Government of Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Bolivia sign the present political declaration in Caracas, on 26 th January ALBA ADHESION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF DO- MINICA TO THE BOLIVARIAN ALTERNATIVE FOR THE PEOPLES OF OUR AMERICA Following the disgraceful neoliberal period Latin America and the Caribbean were exposed to, which caused our economies to collapse and which catapulted social inequality, scarcity and desolation among the population, hope for the peoples of America reappeared in the hands of presidents Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro. The ALBA (Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our America) emerged to support the relaunching of our nations potential, as a response to the options imposed by the global hegemonic centers of power, which had catastrophic effects during the 1980 s and 1990 s. What at first appeared a mere critique to old schemes, has become, in only four years, a reality based on new principles that is now tangible to the peoples of our continent. The ALBA s fundamental concepts include solidarity, economic complementarity, fair trade, integral cooperation and utmost respect for sovereignty. As a result, we have been able to radically break away from the classical integration schemes that are based on competition, hegemony, the illusion of a free market and the underlying intentions of political domination. The ALBA s new outlook on social issues and their role in international economic relations has resulted in the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean fully experiencing solidarity. This is evident in programs like Miracle Mission, which has helped millions of poor citizens recover their eyesight; citizens in Bolivia, Haiti and Nicaragua have also benefited from educational

5 and literacy programs developed by Cuba and Venezuela, without forgetting the alimentary programs that guarantee the nourishment of children and the elderly. The principles upon which the ALBA is based have facilitated the widest agreement on energy cooperation that the world has known, PetroCaribe. This agreement is causing fundamental changes in the energy sectors of the region, guaranteeing the fuel supply needed to maintain our electricity plants, supplying poorer households with cooking gas, and providing the fuel needed by machinery and equipment to work. This agreement finances 40% of our oil bills, thus releasing economic resources which can now be invested in social programs. Other cooperation initiatives that appeared within the AL- BA s framework include projects for the expansion of our airports, the construction of housing for families in need, the remodeling of hospitals and the construction of health centers. The ALBA s initiative has taken on a new dimension with the full incorporation of Bolivia and Nicaragua as member countries. In this respect, the Peoples Trade Agreement (a scheme that aims to create the necessary conditions for the establishment of fair and balanced trade) affords special treatment to export products and acknowledges the productive inequalities existing in our countries, by granting fair prices to our goods and services. The ALBA has entered a higher stage of development following its Fifth Summit of Heads of State, held in Barquisimeto on 29 th April 2007, its first Ministerial Council, which took place on 6 th June 2007, and the appointment of its first Technical Commission, held on 16 th and 17 th July During this new stage, it is expected that the ALBA will progress in the creation of transnational projects and ventures, thus unifying the scientific, technical and productive capabilities of all its members. The ALBA is ready to consolidate itself as the strategic and political alliance which will productively integrate our nations, amalgamating the creative potential that will help us guarantee full independence and economic sovereignty. Only then we will be in equal conditions to fully participate in the global economic reality, and have real possibilities to be in the position we deserve. We express our willingness to form part of this historical project as a full member, being aware that the ALBA is the best suited option to fulfill the in-

6 terests of our peoples, acknowledging the altruistic character of the cooperation offered by the governments of Cuba and Venezuela, and abiding by the concepts issued at the joint declaration signed on 17 th February 2007 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. We request the republics of Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua that they accept the sovereign decision made by the government and the people I have the honor to represent. Firmly convinced that history and our peoples will remember this gesture as a historical event, beneficial to our well being, signed in Caracas on 26 th January Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica ALBA DEED OF CONSTITUTION OF THE BANK OF THE ALBA Documents of the Sixth Summit The Republics of Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and Bolivarian Venezuela, represented by their respective presidents, with the objective of developing, promoting and fostering the social and economic integration of the nations that constitute the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our America, henceforth ALBA, following the principles of complementarity, solidarity, cooperation and respect for sovereignty: Considering That the republics of Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and Bolivarian Venezuela endorsed in Caracas, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on 6 th June 2007 a Memorandum of Understanding for the constitution of the Bank of the ALBA, which all States have been invited to adhere. Considering That it is necessary to accelerate the economic growth and the generation of dignified employment, strengthening our internal markets and substantially improving the living standards of the population. Our aim is to address the

7 migratory trends and reduce the concentration of income, within the framework of sustainable human development. Considering That Latin American and Caribbean integration must constitute a space dedicated to the promotion of economic and social development; convergence and complementarity must reign in the processes of economic integration; asymmetries must be reduced along with poverty and social exclusion. Considering That it is necessary for the Latin American and Caribbean economic structures to develop their internal financial markets, in order to raise liquidity, channel resources towards national and regional projects, revitalize investments and fair trade, develop integrative infrastructure, and activate a cycle of political, cultural, economic and social transformations in the region. Considering That the design and implementation of a new financial structure in the region can no longer be delayed. The new structure must exist under the control of Latin American and Caribbean peoples, and must be oriented to reaffirm the leadership of the region, reducing the external vulnerability of our economies, and transforming the productive apparatus, by prioritizing our peoples basic needs. Considering That the new financial structure of the region will be in need of institutions constituted under the sovereign control of member countries of the ALBA. The sole purpose of these institutions will be to promote and fund the joint socio-economic development of our nations, while facilitating, encouraging and driving forward the productive capability needed by our economies. In conformity with the statements above expressed, and following the ratification of the Technical Commission for the constitution of the Bank of the ALBA by the authorities of the republics of Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and Bolivarian Venezuela:

8 It has been agreed First: to create a financial entity, with its own legal status and within the boundaries of public international rights, to be denominated Bank of the ALBA, henceforth BA, with headquarters in the city of Caracas, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Second: the BA s main objective will be to contribute to sustainable socioeconomic development, reducing poverty, strengthening integration, lessening asymmetries, promoting fair economic exchanges which are also fair, dynamic, harmonious and equitable to all members of the ALBA. Third: in order to benefit member countries, the BA will have further functions: to fund development programs and projects targeted to improve the productivity and efficiency of key sectors of the economy; to generate dignified employment; to promote scientific and technical development; to promote innovation, creativity and complementarity in the production process; to foster an increase in the value and maximization of regional raw materials; to protect natural resources and the conservation of the environment; to finance programs and projects aimed to eradicate extreme poverty and all forms of exclusion; to improve the quality of life; to fund programs and projects that favor both fair trade and the Latin American and Caribbean process of integration; and to create and administer especial funds as an expression of social solidarity in the event of emergencies caused by natural disasters. All of the above will be carried out through financial operations which may be active, passive or involving services. Fourth: the BA will be self-sufficient and will be governed in conformity with the most efficient international financial practices, in order to guarantee the generation of new resources that can subsequently be invested in the member countries of the ALBA. Fifth: The Board of Administration of the BA will be formed by an equal number of representatives from each one of the participating countries, and will be governed by democratic principles. Sixth: the relevant authorities of signatory countries will adopt the necessary measures to finalize the preparation of the constitutive document of the BA, within sixty (60) days of the ratification of the present Deed of Constitution.

9 Seventh: to invite the member countries of the ALBA to sign the constitutive document of the BA. The present document is subscribed in four (4) different copies of equal content and in Spanish language, in the city of Caracas, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on 26 th January By the Republic of Bolivia Evo Morales, President By the Republic of Cuba Carlos Lage, Vice President of the Council of State By the Republic of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega, President By the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Hugo Chavez, President ALBA DECLARATION IN SUPPORT TO THE PROCESS OF DEMOCRATIC TRANSFORMATIONS INITIATED BY THE PEOPLES OF BOLIVIA Documents of the Sixth Summit The Heads of State and Government of the ALBA, gathered in the city of Caracas on 26 th January 2008, with the objective of strengthening the ties of unity of our peoples, within the framework of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our America, and declare: 1- That we support the process of democratic change initiated by our sister nation, Bolivia. This process has been impelled by a constitutional process that reflects the sovereign will of the nation, and will materialize into the project of a new constitution, which will be subject to popular approval through a referendum. 2- Likewise, we urge the international community to offer their support to this process, so that its institutional and democratic character is respected.

10 We also urge the international community to unambiguously condemn any act of discrimination, violence or racism which target national unity and the Bolivian democratic process. Actions of such caliber must be deemed unacceptable and intolerable in any democratic society. We convene the democratic forces of the world to express their solidarity with the moral endeavor of the Bolivian people, who, in their majority, and despite the obstacles and provocations, stand firm in their demand for democratic debate as the only path towards the construction of a new and fairer society. ALBA CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE ALBA's TRANSNATIONAL PROJECT Documents of the Sixth Summit The concept behind the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our America Although the critique of the ALCA (Free Trade Area of the Americas) as an expression of neoliberal globalization was necessary, it was not sufficient to judge its disastrous consequences. It is now imperative to construct the theoretical and practical concepts of an alternative, able to give a new direction to the economic and political relations of Latin American and Caribbean republics. The creation of the ALBA was proposed by President Hugo Chavez in 2001, motivated by the idea of materializing such an alternative. In 2004, Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez endorsed the first declaration of the ALBA, in which is evident the conceptual matrix of the organization:...trade and investment cannot be understood as an end in themselves. Rather, they are instruments in the achievement of fair and sustainable development; special and differential treatment that accounts for the diverse levels of development of nations; economic complementarity and cooperation between participating countries; and the promotion of investment of Latin American capital in Latin America and the Caribbean It is thus evident that the ALBA is the expression of a political concept based on a new vision of the region s economic relations. In this respect, the ALBA

11 represents a profound rupture with the classical economic outlook on integration and international cooperation. As a strategic political alliance, the ALBA s fundamental and historical objective is to unite the capabilities and strengths of the countries that conform it, so that structural transformations take place, and make possible the state of integral development required for the continuity of our nations as sovereign and fair countries. Transnational concept: The transnational concept lies at the very heart of the ALBA. Essentially, it is a political concept, but it affects all aspects of our nations existence. This concept is based on the following principles: a historical and geopolitical premise: the Bolivarian vision of a great nation conformed by the union of the Latin American and Caribbean republics. The geopolitical aspect of the Bolivarian vision is especially relevant in a world dominated by neoliberal globalization, and divided into regional and sub-regional economic blocks. The transnational concept can be compared to that of a mega-state, as both point at joint political action between states that share a common view on the exercise of national and regional sovereignty. These states would work together towards the consolidation of socio-political identity, without falling in the pitfalls of supranational structures. the transnational concept has a socio-economic basis, as it is deeply rooted in the belief that it is necessary to go beyond the local sphere, if the economies of our nations are to achieve the degree of development needed to satisfy the needs of the majorities. Essentially, the transnational concept aspires to eradicate national barriers and to strengthen local capabilities so that together, we are equipped to confront the challenges of the global situation. Day by day, it becomes more evident that our local reality is also our regional reality. finally, the transnational concept has ideological foundations shared by those who conform the ALBA, particularly those relating to our critical stance towards neoliberal globalization. The ideology from which the transnational concept is born defends sustainable development and social justice, and advocates for the sovereignty of our nations and their

12 right to self-determination, thus creating a unified perspective on the restructuration of our sovereign regional policies. It can thus be claimed that the process we experience today under the principles of the ALBA is truly transnational in its ambition to achieve the political union of our republics, and the construction of the great nation our national heroes dreamt of. The dynamics of the modern world, dominated by industrialized powers and divided into hegemonic economic blocks, have propelled us into this direction. Transnational projects and transnational ventures Transnational projects: The concepts of transnational project and transnational venture derive from the notion on the transnational detailed above. Thus, transnational projects and ventures are the end result of the application of the transnational concept; they materialize and bring to life the socio-economic processes of union and integration. Transnational projects span across various fields: political, social, cultural, economic, scientific and industrial, including any other sphere that can potentially be incorporated into the transnational dialectic. Not every transnational project must become a transnational venture, but every transnational venture is the result of a transnational project which will provide the guidelines for the venture s development. In this respect, transnational projects in the social and cultural fields can be orchestrated around the existing structures and capabilities of our countries, without having to resort to the creation of new structures which will only represent unnecessary expenses and a burden to our resources. The literacy campaign taking place in Bolivia exemplifies this point. A transnational project may emerge and develop in two or more countries, yet this is not an indispensable requirement for a project to be considered transnational.

13 To be considered a transnational project, the program must be framed within the objectives and principles of the ALBA, and two or more of its member countries must take part in the design and implementation of the project. To sum up, a transnational project is a program that aims to fulfill the principles and objectives of the ALBA, that has been validated by the member countries, and whose implementation involves two or more countries, for the benefit of the majority in society. Transnational venture: Under neoliberal hegemony, transnational corporations became agents of articulation in the global economy. This caused a crisis in the role played by nation states in the development of capitalism, especially within the Keynesian model, which was in force from the postwar period to the 1980 s. In Latin America and the Caribbean, this translated into a model of industrialization based on the substitution of imports, encouraged by the CEPAL (Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean). Likewise, the pattern of transnational accumulation undermined the role of the State as an agent instigator of development, as this role was taken on by the market. The concept of transnational venture appears in opposition to the idea of transnational corporation, therefore its economic dynamics will favor the production of goods and services with the objective of satisfying human needs, guaranteeing their continuity and breaking away from the logic of reproduction and accumulation of capital. In order to guarantee the sustainability and goals of transnational ventures, their commercial dynamics will privilege joint or combined exchange schemes. Transnational ventures must endorse the ALBA s new logic of union and integration, join forces to achieve the strategic objectives of this project of unity, and become the fundamental economic instruments for the creation of a broad Latin American and Caribbean fair trade area. The constitutional nature of transnational ventures must fall within the following parameters:

14 they must share the notion of productive integration and take into account the economic complementarity needs of the nations that conform the project. This will entail the maximization of each nation s capabilities: energy resources, financial availability, availability of raw materials, qualified human resources, and levels of scientific and technological development. The produce of these ventures must have as a priority the satisfaction of consumer needs within the internal market of the ALBA, and with the objective of consolidating a fair trade area. Surplus may be offered to international markets. Transnational ventures will exist in accordance with the principle of productive efficiency. The task at hand is not simple, yet it is not impossible to accomplish. Transnational ventures will be self-sufficient. Transnational ventures will operate under the principles of complementarity, solidarity, cooperation, reciprocity and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. They will make rational use of natural resources and implement environmentally sustainable projects, promoting dignified working conditions and the equitable redistribution of wealth. The success of transnational ventures will depend on: transnational planning: based on the optimization of available resources and in accordance with the concepts of togetherness, productive efficiency, need satisfaction and fair prices. the effective control on the sources of raw materials: fortunately, this is one of our countries real advantages, given that the State controls these sources. Transnational ventures will not be considered such due to their sphere of action or the composition of their shareholding; rather, they will be regarded as transnational depending of their constitutive nature. Transnational ventures may exist between two countries (bilateral), three countries (trilateral) or four countries (multilateral). For example, a bilateral venture between Cuba and Venezuela, dedicated to the production and commercialization of concrete, which exports this product to Bolivia or Nicaragua, will be considered a transnational venture.

15 Transnational ventures can also be binational, as long as its shareholders guarantee the sovereignty of each country. In those transnational ventures between several or all member countries, contributions will be made on the basis of each party s possibilities. Decisions will always be adopted by consensus and the resulting profits will be dedicated to the growth of the venture and/or the development of social projects. Transnational ventures will be exclusive property of the State, and may become partners with private companies solely for the development of specific activities. Transnational ventures will be created on the basis of objective potential, monetary funds, know-how and the endogenous experience of the ALBA s member countries. External sources of cooperation proceeding from countries akin to the ALBA s spirit and objectives will be used only where it is sensible, and must always abide by the ALBA s governing principles. Therefore, transnational ventures will be those ventures which, initiated by ALBA s member countries, are productively and efficiently integrated, and allocate their produce to the internal market of the ALBA (fair trade area). ALBA CULTURAL ALBA: A CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNITY OF OUR AMERICA Documents of the Sixth Summit I. Introduction Our America s unity has been a key element in the ideology of our national heroes and the most brilliant intellectuals of the past two centuries. Nowadays the need for unity has become more evident and urgent, as we face the challenges and dangers created by the processes of geopolitics and hegemonic globalization. Our independence, our freedom, our development, and our capacity for struggle and victory are deeply linked to the project of unity that we gestate and that will heroically prevail over any difficulties while we, Latin American and Caribbean peoples, face the new century that belongs to us.

16 Our own history, and the experience derived from other processes of integration, point at this project of unity as essentially a cultural process; although perhaps its effects are more evident in the structural, economic and political domains. However, this project is and will remain the catalyst and most efficient support that the great American Project has ever had. The project was repeatedly postponed; today it has become the region s most relevant strategic goal. Amongst the multiple contradictions observed in the region, we can clearly perceive the various conditions that point at the feasibility of the project. Such a complex process finds in the ALBA a path through which it can be fulfilled, without inconvenient exclusions nor inappropriate concessions, as befits our invaluable culture. II. The ALBA and culture Our willingness to drive the development of common cultural projects became evident with the Declaration signed in La Havana, on 14 th December From then onwards, Cuban and Venezuelan institutions have covered an extraordinary trajectory; identifying needs and potential, drafting and implementing multiple plans for the common benefit of those involved, and consolidating a solid platform of joint effort. In April 2005, on the occasion of the First Meeting for the Implementation of the ALBA, held in La Havana, it was agreed to create a binational entity, with the objective of stimulating and favoring the integration and projection of our nations, particularly in the spheres of cultural enterprise, distribution and circulation of cultural goods, and promotion of our values. The creation of the Cultural Fund of the ALBA was established with the approval of the Intergovernmental Cultural Agreement, signed in La Havana on 3 rd February 2006 by presidents Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez. This agreement gave rise to the creation of a joint Cuban-Venezuelan venture, registered under the name of Cultural Fund of the ALBA, which is based in Caracas and began its trajectory on 19 th July From its very inception, the Cultural Fund published the ten first titles of rele-

17 vant authors, which were later distributed in Book Fairs in Cuba, Bolivia and Venezuela. Casas del ALBA (Houses of the ALBA) is another initiative that appeared within the framework of this agreement. Casas del ALBA is a space for encounter, information, diffusion of ideas and for the legitimization of our culture s figures and expressions. Under the common anti-hegemonic values of such cultural institutions, books, tapes, audiovisual artifacts, handicrafts, and all other expressions of cultural idiosyncrasy and diversity are distributed, thus strengthening our feeling of belonging to the great homeland our America is. There are ongoing projects of refurbishment and remodeling of the Casas del ALBA in Caracas and La Havana. Projects are also underway for the identification of possible spaces for the future creation of Casas del ALBA in Bolivia, Nicaragua, Ecuador and Haiti. The Cultural Fund of the ALBA and Casas del ALBA have projection both in the Latin American and Caribbean community and beyond. Soon, the project will involve Bolivia and Nicaragua, along with Haiti, Ecuador and the countries of the English speaking countries of the Caribbean -Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines- Their common political resolution in this respect was ratified by the Statement of Intentions signed by their respective Ministers of Culture, during the meeting held in Caracas on 24 th March In April 2007, during the Fifth Summit of the ALBA held in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, both the Cultural Fund of the ALBA and Casas del ALBA were declared transnational projects. A consistent exchange between the cultural authorities of the nations involved ensued. This exchange facilitated a greater understanding about how we should face our responsibility to contribute to the unity of the region s nations by using the enormous potential of culture. We must highlight the role of the Agreement for Integral Cooperation Cuba-Venezuela. Since its origins in 2007, and through the various cultural projects that emerged within its framework, other countries were involved into this unique project, especially member countries of the ALBA. Thanks to this agreement, we obtained the necessary resources to launch our work into the whole of Latin America and the Caribbean,

18 and further beyond, expediting the political, social and cultural impact of the ALBA. The Cultural ALBA was conceived in October 2007, fruit of our accumulated experience. The Cultural ALBA is the political and cultural project that will contribute to the transformation and unity of Our America through culture. This project brings together member countries, local governments, social movements, and any institution or organization that shares our goals and strategies. As a political and cultural project, the Cultural ALBA is backed up by the Cultural Fund of the ALBA, whose own legal status, ability to manage resources and entrepreneurial vitality situate the Fund at the vanguard of the movement. It is then crucial to strengthen and develop this project further. It is also anticipated that a network of Casas del ALBA will progressively become present in the region. This will have an invaluable impact in the political, socio-cultural and mediatic spheres. Casas del ALBA will thus become centers of information, promotion and defense of the ALBA, its objectives and significance. III. Strategic plan of the Cultural ALBA The task the Cultural ALBA has at hand requires the identification and articulation of its strategic lines, programs and plans for action, in honor to: acknowledging that the cultures of our peoples become instruments of unity, and have as fundamental objective the promotion of the ALBA To this purpose, we submit for the consideration of the Ministerial Council the Strategic Plan of the Cultural ALBA for the period This plan reflects the political and cultural intentions that we are willing to contribute to the great project and sign of hope the ALBA represents. To achieve the established objective, we have identified five (5) Strategic Lines of Action, expressed in seventeen (17) Specific Strategies and

19 sixty-five (65) Plans, Programs and Projects to be implemented within the next three years. Amongst them, we must highlight the following, due to their relevant political, social and cultural impact: The Plans for Editorial, Audiovisual and Musical Recording Production The Casas del ALBA network The ALBA s Printing network The creation of a Latin American and Caribbean Cultural Goods Distributor, and the Network for Audiovisual Distribution and Exhibition The Program for the Development of National Systems for the Teaching of Arts The compilation of the Encyclopaedia of Literature and Arts of Latin America and the Caribbean The ALBA s Prizes in the Arts, for a lifelong trajectory The establishment of the ALBA s Musical Recording Prize The Festival of Arts and Cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean The website Cultures of Our America The main characters of this project must be the institutions entrusted with the management of cultural affairs, along with the writers, artists, cultural agents and social movements with projection in this field. Local governments, regional institutions and organizations akin to our perspective may also be included. Consequently, a large part of the resources needed to implement the Strategic Plan (especially those affecting human resources and institutional management) will come from the relevant governmental departments, and eventually will include other agents. It will however be necessary to consider the allocation of certain special resources, in order to accomplish the various programs that have been identified as necessary for the integral development of our peoples.

20 We estimate that in order to carry out the plans, programs and projects linked to the Triennial Strategic Plan, we require financial resources amounting to $20 million: $6 million during 2008, $7 million during 2009 and $7 million during The sum allocated to the year 2008 can be further broken down into $1 million during each of the first trimesters, and $2 million during each of the remaining. In this respect is also encouraging the process of creation of the Bank of the ALBA, already ongoing. The commitment of this institution to the development of our nations signifies an important contribution to the promotion of culture. It will be necessary to design an integral strategy that facilitates the establishment of links between the Bank and the Cultural Fund of the ALBA. The fruit of this cooperation will be evident in a greater coherence expressed in the ALBA s cultural projects, and an increased efficiency in the management of resources. We have considered convenient to establish a series of periodical meetings between the ministers and cultural authorities of the ALBA s member countries, with the objective of consolidating the Cultural ALBA and the Strategic Plan presented today. The relevant authorities will appoint a coordinator and national representatives for the everyday management of the tasks associated with the transnational projects already underway. ALBA POLITICAL DECLARATION OF THE ALBA-TCP's COUNCIL OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS Documents of the Sixth Summit The peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean have been subdued for over 500 years by the actions of colonialism and imperialism. The capitalism imposed by the large metropolis and the local elite divided and plundered the continent to such an extent, that the independence of each one of our republics became a mere formality. The dream of integration of our peoples and heroes was betrayed by the structural ties between local oligarchies and imperialist policies of domination.

21 During the past 100 years, socialist and progressist movements and governments have clashed with the weapons of imperialism. These peoples withstood and are now constructing alternatives to the crisis caused by neoliberal and imperialist policies. The alternatives proposed are based on coexistence, cooperation, complementarity and solidarity. The historical example given by Cuba, who resisted the attacks of the empire, has given strength to Venezuela s revolutionary process; it has propelled the flag of Bolivarian unity so admirably defended by the peoples of Bolivia and their indigenous revolution; it has inspired the revival of Sandinismo in Nicaragua and echoes the claim of the progressist peoples of Central America. This is clearly another America, the America that has changed forever and that is not willing to retreat. Today, we are convinced that we are building a model of growth based on the principles of cooperation, complementarity, solidarity, equality and social justice. The Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our America provides us with specific arrangements from which these principles can come into existence, for example through transnational projects. The creation of the ALBA- TCP s Council of Social Movements will allow us to affect the relationships between peoples and governments, for the benefit of a population that needs to achieve their objective of eradicating poverty and contributing to the construction of a fairer society. The defeat of neoliberalism in America is a heroic action which needs to be consolidated by the popular forces under the patriotic and admirable leadership of Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Evo Morales, Daniel Ortega, and other progressist governments who do not yield to the empire. Social movements are major figures in the historical redemption of our great homeland, which will soon become a sole nation. Therefore, the social movements of Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, gathered at this meeting, express our willingness to join the process of Latin American and Caribbean unity through the ALBA-TCP s Council of Social Movements, being on equal terms and committed to the promotion, deployment and development of this project; likewise, we are determined to act within the framework of transnational projects, thus avoiding bureaucratic labyrinths and personality cults. We declare our commitment to work towards the rapid incorporation of those Latin American and Caribbean social movements that support our alternative for human unity; with the solid purpose of transforming this joint effort into a certain, efficient, ethical and revolutionary alternative of unity and liberation for the peoples of America.

22 Our America has finally made history! A new era awaits our peoples! Translated for alternativabolivariana.org / Proyecto Emancipación by Damaris Garzón