Monday, 25 May 2026
CELAC nations oppose foreign military presence
Latin American and Caribbean nations, represented by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), have jointly voiced serious concerns about the recent deployment of military forces from outside the region.
In a statement issued by 19 countries—including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and several Caribbean nations—CELAC emphasized their "deep concern regarding the recent deployment of extra-regional military forces in the region," warning that such movements threaten regional peace and stability.
CELAC highlighted that Latin America and the Caribbean have been formally designated as a "Zone of Peace," an agreement built on principles such as non-interference, respect for sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution, and the right of peoples to self-determination. The group reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, multilateralism, and the peaceful settlement of conflicts.
The statement also referenced the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which established Latin America and the Caribbean as the first densely populated area in the world free from nuclear weapons. CELAC leaders describe the treaty as a milestone that underscores the region’s dedication to peace and the prohibition of nuclear weapons as instruments of coercion or threat.
Recognizing the persistent challenges posed by transnational organized crime and drug trafficking, CELAC reiterated its determination to address these threats through regional cooperation and in adherence to international law.
In closing, the CELAC countries called for the promotion of security, stability, and development, expressing a unified commitment to peace, democracy, and the well-being of their peoples. The statement serves as an appeal to the international community to respect the spirit of cooperation and peace that the region has pledged to uphold.