Launch of the III Peoples’ Summit Nov. 1-5, 2005 in Argentina
A call to participate in a space for reflection
and for the building of alternatives
The III Peoples’ Summit of the Americas was launched at an August 2nd press conference in Buenos Aires with a call to participate in this Nov. 1-5 gathering to be held in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Present at this press conference were representatives from the various national organizations involved in sponsoring this international event.
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Commenting on security measures for the IV Summit of the Presidents (Nov. 4-5), Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Adolfo Perez Esquivel, pointed out how irresponsible it was for the Argentinean government to spend 120 million pesos to protect U.S. President George Bush while no thought is being given to the security needs of the many participants who will gather in the Sports Stadium in Mar del Plata for the Peoples’ Summit.
Spokespeople for the III Peoples’ Summit underlined that this initiative is not related in any way to the IV Summit of the Americas. The Peoples’ Summit process is independent from governments and carries out its own agenda of discussions. Furthermore, the Peoples’ Summit is not involved in a process being carried out by the Argentinean Foreign Affairs Ministry under the rubric of “Consultation with Civil Society”.
Mr. Perez Esquivel clarified that the organizers aren’t talking about this as a ‘counter-conference’; rather it is another summit – “the peoples’ voice”. He also denied any association between this Summit and any potential for violence.
Juan Gonzalez, head of the Secretariat for Latin American Integration of the Argentinean Workers Central (CTA), defined the Peoples’ Summit as, “a well established resistance network that has its own project in mind”. He reminded journalists at the press conference that the plan to have the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) up and running by January 1st, 2005 was derailed thanks to the determined efforts of people from every part of our hemisphere. Mr. Gonzalez also said that the U.S. is embarked on putting its plan for ‘free trade’ implementation in the Americas on the table at the Summit of the Presidents in Mar del Plata.
Beverly Keene of Dialogue 2000 underscored the presence of both national and international organizations and movements in the Peoples’ Summit process, and called for broad public participation and debate, along with the formation of assemblies as a key component underpinning Summit preparations on the road to the November gathering.
The Secretary General of the CTA, Victor de Gennaro, confirmed that his labour organization would stage a national work stoppage on November 4th with rallies in the main plazas in Argentina. This national strike will be in sync with rallies and marches throughout the Americas to protest Bush’s policies and his presence in Argentina.
Buenos Aires, August 2nd, 2005