Kaja Kallas at CELAC Summit: The EU only endorses the use of force in self-defense or with a UN mandate

The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, said on Sunday that the European Union's position on US attacks in the Caribbean and Pacific against boats allegedly carrying drugs is “very clear,” as they violate international norms.

According to international law, “force can only be used for two reasons, either in self-defense or on the basis of a UN Security Council resolution”, she said.

Upon her arrival at the Pozos Colorados Convention Center in the Colombian city of Santa Marta, where she will participate in the IV CELAC-EU Summit, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs also highlighted that the European bloc has proven to be a “reliable” partner for Latin America and the Caribbean, and underscored the common values shared by both regions.

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“We are thousands of miles apart, but we share the same values: we believe in international law, the rule of law, and democracy, and we are also fighting together against climate change,” Kallas said.

He added that the IV Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union will address issues such as “cities, security, and the fight against organized crime”, as well as cooperation in multilateral forums to “protect international law and address issues such as energy, the digital transition, and the fight against climate change.”

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Regarding the notable absences and cancellations of leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, Kallas simply said, “Let's be grateful to those who are present.”

According to the latest official communication from the Colombian Foreign Ministry, nine heads of state and government will participate, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, out of a total of 60 guests in Santa Marta, the capital of the Magdalena department.

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Although the meeting was initially scheduled to last until Monday, it will ultimately be reduced to a single day.

Official sources informed EFE that the Santa Marta Declaration, containing the main decisions of the meeting, is expected to be ready this afternoon.

Editor's note: This text is an artificially intelligent English translation of the original Spanish version, which can be found here. Any comment, please write to berdav@eltiempo.com