News, October, 2005

15th Iberoamerican summit strengthens organisation

18th October. The summit held this weekend in Salamanca brought together leaders from Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Latin America and strengthened this equivalent of the British Commonwealth by appointing a Secretary General for the first time.

The Iberoamerican community is primarily a socio-cultural organisation, which would probably not aim to replace the OAS, but nevertheless has a political agenda, as well. Some of the primary issues dealt with by the organisation are the strengthening of democracy, solidarity in the face of catastrophes like hurricane Stan, coordination of migration policies and cooperation to deal with poverty.

Cuba was not present in the summit, but a declaration requesting the USA to end its 'blockade' of the island aroused passing tension. Most of the presidents who attended were also present beforehand at the October 12th celebrations, marking the 513th anniversary of Columbus' voyage. This is Spain's national holiday and a military parade in Madrid included troops from most of the Spanish American countries.

Sources: El Mundo, TVE, etc..