UNASUR, ALBA to Hold Panel Discussion
PUBLIC FORUM
Tuesday 3rd November 7.30 –
10pm
New Crossways
First Floor, 6 Roxburgh Street,
Mount Victoria
UNASUR and ALBA – What Are They?
On Tuesday 3 November 2009 LAC is pleased to host a public panel discussion on UNASUR and ALBA, to better inform the New Zealand public about these important Latin American initiatives seeking alternatives to the free market neoliberal model imposed by their northern neighbours.
UNASUR, (the Union of South American
Nations)is an organisation of 12 South American countries
modeled on the European Union, seeking to develop a common
currency, parliament, and passport. UNASUR has integrated
the two existing customs unions of Mercosur and the Andean
Community of Nations. Other initiatives are the creation of
a single market, infrastructure and energy co-operation, the
creation of the Bank of the South, and the creation of the
South American Defence Council to serve as a mechanism for
regional security.
ALBA (the Bolivarian Alliance for
the Peoples of Our America)seeks social, political, and
economic integration between the countries of Latin America
and the Caribbean. Unlike free trade agreements, ALBA
represents an attempt at regional economic integration that
is not based primarily on trade liberalisation but on a
vision of social welfare, bartering and mutual economic aid.
ALBA’s nine member nations are in the process of
introducing a new regional currency, the SUCRE. Some ALBA
members are also members of UNASUR.
Felipe Cousino
from the Chilean Embassy will speak about the history and
principles of UNASUR, and its approach to the Latin American
economy and regional security, while His Excellency Jose
Luis Robaina, Cuban Ambassador to New Zealand, will talk on
the history and principles of ALBA, current economic and
security issues, and the relationship between ALBA and
UNASUR. The difficulties they have encountered, and their
hopes and expectations for the future will provide fertile
ground for discussion.
Presentations by the
panellists will be followed by questions and comments from
the audience.
We invite all Wellingtonians
interested in hearing about some of the alternatives to free
market neoliberalism to come to New Crossways on Tuesday
night to participate.
Mulled wine, tea and coffee will be provided.
ENDS