By Gabriela Ávila Gómez From Granma

The First International Seminar on Realities and Challenges of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace opened yesterday, September 21, in Havana

With the objective of continuing to uphold the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, opening in Havana yesterday, September 21, was the First International Seminar on Realities and Challenges in the implementation of this document, approved here in 2014 at the 2nd Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

During his words of welcome, Silvio Platero Yrola, president of the Cuban Movement for Peace and the Sovereignty of Peoples, noted that the meeting was being held in a context marked by an imperialist offensive against revolutionary and integrationist forces in Our America.

Platero insisted that the Proclamation constituted a commitment on the part of the region’s nations, and that it would be at the center of discussion during the meeting.

He likewise noted that the event was beginning precisely on International Peace Day, and would also serve as an opportunity to honor the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.

Later during the gathering, María do Socorro Gomes, president of the World Peace Council, was awarded the Medal of Friendship by José Ramón Balaguer, head of the Communist Party of Cuba’s international relations department.

The Brazilian activist said that she appreciated the recognition from such a valiant country which has shown so much solidarity around the world, and reiterated the urgent necessity of peace on a global level.

The First International Seminar on Realities and Challenges of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace will continue through Friday the 23rd, with panel discussions and debates on current prospects and challenges to peace in the region.

IMAGE: María do Socorro, president of the World Peace Council. Photo: Yaimí Ravelo

For more on this story go to: http://en.granma.cu/cuba/2016-09-22/latin-america-caribbean-committed-to-peace