March 22, 2024 (EIRNS)—Ten of the 33 members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) have accused the group’s President Pro Tempore, Honduran President Xiomara Castro, of acting unilaterally and “breaking the rules” because she has taken a moral stand on the terrible crises in Haiti and Gaza. She was also chastised for congratulating Russian President Vladimir Putin on her X account for his “convincing victory in the Russian elections,” speaking both as Honduran President and president of CELAC. The ten countries are Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic and Uruguay.
A joint communiqué issued by the government of Uruguay March 19, signed by the ten governments, alleges that Castro is not following proper procedure, has made statements that don’t reflect a consensus of CELAC members and were made without prior consultation. Castro has replied that CELAC statements are based on a majority opinion, rather than a consensus in which all 33 members agree. She affirmed her commitment to “frank debate” and respect for “CELAC’s principles,” but added she is performing her duties as the President Pro Tempore and “doing her job.”
