• Submitted by: admin
• Caribbean
• Destinations
• international
• South America
• Business and Economy
• Politics and Government
• 11 / 15 / 2008

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According to Granma news daily, a Rio Group communiqué states that the decision to expand “is a central element in strengthening the group that enriches its diverse and pluralistic nature and to give its statements renewed authority.”

The Granma note adds that the inclusion of Cuba in this Latin American and Caribbean cooperation mechanism is another example of the changes occurring in the region and the failure of the US policy to isolate Cuba.

It recalls that numerous Rio Group member countries had previously stated in recent years and at diverse events their wishes for Cuba to become a member of the organization and complete its inclusive and representative reach in Latin American and Caribbean.

The Rio Group was founded in December 1986, coming out of the Contadora Group and the Contadora Support Group, related to the effort to bring peace to Central America. It has held 20 summits and four times increased its membership to all Latin American countries except Cuba, the largest Caribbean nation.

(ACN)