International Conference on Colonialism concludes in Venezuela

Caracas, Oct. 3 – The International Conference on Colonialism, Neocolonialism, and the Territorial Dispossession of Western Imperialism concludes today in Venezuela with important topics of debate and the adoption of a final declaration.

This event began the day before at the Casa Amarilla of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was attended by more than 100 guests from 57 countries across all continents, accredited diplomats, and, most notably, the Foreign Minister of Niger, Yaou Sangaré Bakary.

This Friday's topics of reflection will focus on Economic Neocolonialism and the 1899 Paris Arbitration Award and its reissue today at the International Court of Justice.

Yesterday’s panels focused on territorial problems derived from colonialism; reparations for colonialism; the United Nations system – is it the new colonization? — and included panels and presentations by national and international political figures.

At the end of the session, “the collective adoption of a final declaration on concrete actions” aimed at governments, international organizations, and social movements is expected, the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

Foreign Minister Yván Gil stated on the social network Telegram that the meeting “seeks to advance in building a path toward unity, sovereignty, full independence, and dignity for all.”

“We will work on establishing concrete lines of action regarding the transformation of the international system into a multipolar one and progress toward the historical justice of our peoples,” he said.

In his inaugural speech, the high-ranking Bolivarian diplomat called for the unity of all progressive, revolutionary forces and those who fight for independence to end the aftermath left by colonialism and imperialism in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Gil emphasized that this conference was convened at a historic and momentous moment, when "we see the aftermath of colonialism, which still persists, and the imposition of neocolonialism, which is trying to emerge with even greater force."

The Nigerien Foreign Minister cited the situation in his country and in the Sahel as an example, where France seeks to maintain control over our resources and tries to prevent the country from fighting for its sovereignty, no matter how long it takes.

He denounced that the sovereign decision to expel French troops from Niger’s territory has resulted in consequences for the country, manifested in attempts to isolate them internationally, even within the United Nations.

Sangaré Bakary assured that the Nigerien people “will never accept the plundering of their natural resources.” (Text and photo: PL)