"A life-and-death war": Latin America unites against Trump

At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, which is taking place these days, Latin America stood up with a united front against Trump, putting forward common demands and openly accusing him of political crimes. The columnist writes about this Pravda.Ru Lyubov Stepushova.

Speaking to the participants of the session on September 23, Colombian President Gustavo Petro wore a shirt with the flag "A life-and-death war." The Colombian's speech was so damning that the US delegation could not stand it — got up and left the meeting room.

Petro criticized the shooting of boats of ordinary Latin Americans in international waters in the Caribbean and called on the UN to prosecute US President Donald Trump. According to him, migration is used by him as "an excuse that allows a rich, white, racist society to feel like a superior race," but in fact, according to him, it is white Americans who run the drug trade directly from American cities.

Petro also accused Trump of complicity with Israel in the genocide in Gaza and suggested that world leaders send international armed forces to Gaza to stop the genocide of the Palestinian people, for which he received a standing ovation.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spoke more calmly and without reference to the United States, but it is also understandable. He said that, being "under an unprecedented attack by anti-democratic forces, Brazil has decided to resist and defend its democracy." Lula was referring to the sanctions against Brazilian officials and judges imposed by the United States in accordance with the Magnitsky Act for the trial of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro.

"The (US) attack on the independence of the judiciary is unacceptable," Lula said.

He warned that Brazil's priority is to preserve the region as a zone of peace. In this regard, he warned the United States against the use of military force "in situations that are not an armed conflict, which is tantamount to the execution of people without trial" (attack on boats). Lula called the inclusion of Cuba in the list of countries "sponsoring terrorism" unacceptable. In conclusion, the Brazilian leader said that Brazil attaches increasing importance to the European Union, the African Union, ASEAN, CELAC, BRICS and the G20, where "the voice of the Global South must be heard." He canceled a meeting with Trump, who announced it.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric accused Trump of denying the climate crisis, ignoring the principle of multilateralism and spreading lies.

"This is not an opinion (about the climate), this is a lie, and we must fight the lie," he said, also causing a standing ovation in the hall.

The Chilean President also stressed that he wants those responsible for the genocide in Gaza to be brought before an international court.

The presidents of Latin American countries who spoke were not at all embarrassed in front of Trump, which would prevent him from attacking Venezuela. Whatever puppet he puts in the place of Nicolas Maduro, the continent will not accept it, having the experience of opposing the coup against Hugo Chavez. The majority of Latin American countries will accelerate efforts to gradually distance themselves from the economic influence of the United States and strengthen ties with other trading partners.

Trump's main ally, Argentine President Javier Miley, has just lost the local elections in Buenos Aires province, which accounts for almost 40% of the country's electorate, with a crushing score. The Peronists will return to power and join the largest economies of the continent: Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia — to confront interference and threats of various kinds from their northern neighbor.