The Venezuelan government said Tuesday it supports Cuba’s condemnation of the « manipulative conduct of the European Union (EU) » in organizing an upcoming EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit in Brussels, Belgium.
« Venezuela decisively supports the condemnations made by Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, » the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
A « lack of transparency » in the preparation of the summit between the two regional integration blocs, it said, « seriously compromises the success of the said gathering. »
It also accused the EU of « imposing its own format on the third summit, » though CELAC’s pro tempore presidency « has made important contributions regarding a democratic, inclusive and effective summit format. »
However, the ministry said that Venezuela is willing to « participate in and contribute to the summit in a constructive spirit and on the basis of respect, mutual commitment and cooperation between our regions. »
The third EU-CELAC Summit is scheduled for July 17-18 under the banner « Renewing the bi-regional partnership to strengthen peace and sustainable development. »
