ALBA Nations in Defense of Sovereignty

HAVANA TIMES, April 20 — The 9^th Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA) came to a close on Monday night with a pledge to continue the Latin American independence quest led in the early 19^th century by Simon Bolivar.

Addressing the gathering in Caracas, Cuban President Raul Castro praised the efforts thus far by the ALBA nations to foment regional integration and continue advancing in the preparation of human resources, especially in health and education, as well as working for energy independence.

Host President Hugo Chavez highlighted the importance of unity amongst the ALBA member nations and efforts of mutual support using the different mechanisms established under the alliance.

Present for the summit were presidents Evo Morales (Bolivia), Raul Castro (Cuba), Hugo Chavez (Venezuela), Daniel Ortega (Nicaragua) and prime ministers Ralph Gonsalves (Saint Vincent), Baldwin Spencer (Antigua y Barbuda) and Roosevelt Skerrit (Dominica).