“When democracy is under attack around the world, we must unite and renew our belief that democracy is not only our hallmark, but is the essential ingredient for the future of the Americas.” With this warning, the American president, Joe Biden, opened the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles.
Before arriving in Los Angeles, the head of the White House phoned the Venezuelan opposition leader recognized by the US and other countries as interim president of Venezuela, Juan Guaidò from Air Force One. Guaidò expressed to the US president “his gratitude for the consistent support of the United States for the struggle of the Venezuelan people for a democratic transition”.
During his speech, Biden was briefly interrupted by the screams of a climate activist. The head of the White House was silent for a moment and tried to continue as the woman was led out of security.
It is the first time that the United States has hosted the summit since the first edition, held in Miami in 1994, under the Bill Clinton administration. The ninth edition was marked by the Biden government’s veto on Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, which are considered undemocratic countries and which do not respect human rights.