At a CELAC summit, Lula condemned U.S. actions in Latin America and called for UN reforms amid ongoing global conflicts.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva addressed the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in Bogota, Colombia, on March 21, 2026, where he warned against foreign interference resembling colonial tactics.
Lula specifically criticized actions attributed to the United States, including the January 3 abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and the fuel blockade in Cuba, without directly naming U.S. President Donald Trump.
Lula's Critique of Global Interventions
In his speech, Lula questioned the democratic nature of these interventions, asking, 'What are they doing with Cuba now? What did they do with Venezuela? Is that democratic?' He highlighted historical plundering of resources from developing nations.
Lula pointed to the ongoing war against Iran, which began on February 28, drawing parallels to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq based on unsubstantiated claims of weapons of mass destruction. He rhetorically asked, 'Where are Saddam Hussein's chemical weapons? Who found them?'
The Brazilian leader expressed frustration with the United Nations' inability to prevent conflicts in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran, calling it a 'total and absolute failure.' He advocated for reforms to the UN Security Council, particularly its veto system held by permanent members.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro echoed Lula's sentiments, condemning the UN for its impotence in preventing wars and emphasizing the need for the body to address climate solutions and global warming.
Washington's history of intervention in Latin America dates back over 200 years, with recent actions under Trump including tariffs on Brazilian goods, involvement in regional elections, and military operations. Lula urged respect for the territorial integrity of each country.
Attendance at the summit was limited, with participants including presidents from Brazil, Uruguay, Burundi, and Colombia, as well as prime ministers from Guyana and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, reflecting divisions in the region.
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