SELA and Latin American Integration (*)

 

It only makes sense to fight for integration to the extent that it is promoted
as a means to unite the people for their full realization

 

Luis Enrique Oberto G.
Parliamentarian and former Minister of Finance of Venezuela

 

Caracas, 11 november 2000.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of SELA, recently celebrated a few days ago in Caracas in the framework of the XXVI Regular Meeting of the Latin American Council, and the realization of other international meetings in the country, including the meeting of Central American and Caribbean Presidents for the signing of an agreement to supply oil to the participating countries, it is opportune to insist in this era of globalization and speediness of technological development, that the promotion of Latin American integration be approached in a manner different to that done until now.   Another aspect of this matter that should be mentioned is the important role that SELA could play in this promotion with no need for the governments of the region to make extraordinary efforts to redesign the institution nor undertake complex negotiations in that regard, other than that needed to make it known that they are indeed willing to use the organization for the delve deeper in the pursuit of integration.

 

As part of my comments, published in this newspaper(1) on 09-09-00, regarding the declaration subscribed by the Presidents of South America at the conclusion of the summit held in Brasilia, I pointed out that excepting the instruction given to the ministers of Foreign Affairs “to follow the steps” concerning the case, this meeting did nothing in the way of establishing any sort of methodology to be followed nor an activity calendar to be executed so as to comply with scheduled dates for the attainment of the enunciated objectives, nor did the meeting define which bodies would be responsible for executing the actions aimed at accomplishing them. I also pointed out that notwithstanding the relevance awarded to SELA by that meeting, it seemed that a long road still remains to be traveled if we are to take full  advantage of its capacity to assume executive functions that would enable it to progressively develop as a specialized body to facilitate, through its activities, the proposed process of integration.

 

And of course, as I have said repeatedly, now more than ever before, it is absolutely necessary that we promote the integration of our countries as the ideal means to take better advantage of globalization and reduce its negative effects, which affect countries’ performance at all levels and are very difficult to avoid if one tries to deal with them individually or from the perspective of customs unions, trade treaties, or traditional international policy guidelines.  One must accept the idea that in this era, more than any other, it only makes sense to fight for integration to the extent that it is promoted as a means to unite the people for their full realization, with a long-term horizon and not in the likes of a merchants’ agreement or propelled by hegemonic or colonial aspirations of a new hue.

 

This approach calls upon the acceptance of the fact that a human being’s liberty and dignity remains above any pronouncement or consideration that does not mention them first, placing this even before any sovereignty concept that might suggest their undermining, which, during these times allows to become modestly submitted in order to ensure the benefit of preserving and promoting the well-being of the people who voluntarily decide to march together  to search for a better tomorrow. This approach also requires that we accept the fact without supranational bodies to guarantee that integration is being promoted within the framework of the values and principles that all of us truly share, which are those defined in the European Union Rights Charter and that once these are adopted in accordance with established rules they are to be respected, we will go nowhere, which is what has happened thus far.

 

Seen from this angle and bearing in mind the spirit that prevailed at the XXVI Council Meeting, the institution should attempt to take the reins, either through a mandate of the governments that could be suggested or as an initiative of SELA sponsored by them, so as to implement some of the agreements adopted by the Presidents of the Brasilia Summit, with a view to gradually creating those bodies that will effectively contribute to giving Latin American integration an added impulse.  Now, having accumulated 25 years of navigating experience, in both tranquil and troubled waters, for our peoples’ well-being, it would be worthwhile that SELA take on this adventure.