MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

EU, Latin America reaffirms “strategic alliance” at Vienna summit

The heads of state from the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean approved Friday a final resolution at the summit held in Vienna that reaffirms their commitment to the “strategic alliance” that binds the two regions.

The text sets forth their shared positions on such issues as multilateralism, terrorism, democracy, the proliferation of nuclear weapons and human rights.

The resolution also reflects the "commitment" of the parties "to an integral reform and a revitalization of the United Nations that strengthens its democratic and representative character as well as its transparency, accountability and efficiency."

At the same time it expresses the consensus reached by Europeans and Latin Americans on the need to combat terrorism in way that is consonant with the rules of democracy and human rights.

"Nations have the obligation to protect their citizens. Nonetheless, in the war on terrorism we must not destroy that which we are defending. Human rights, international humanitarian law, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law must be fully respected in the fight against terrorism," the text says.

Additionally, the Resolution of Vienna reflects the decision of the European Union and Central America to "undertake negotiations" toward an agreement of association, and also the commitment of the EU and the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) to begin "in 2006, a process leading to the negotiation" of that kind of accord.