SANTIAGO (AP) - Paraguay and Argentina denounced on Thursday that “there was no consensus” in the final declaration issued by the IX Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) held the day before in Honduras, since they specifically stated that they did not agree with the terms of the document.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay explained that it communicated with the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Honduras, which held the temporary presidency of the organization, to denounce “the clear violation of procedure” and rejected the adoption of the final declaration.

“In view of the regrettable events that took place at the Summit, during which the Pro Tempore Presidency of CELAC presented the declaration of Tegucigalpa as approved by the 31 member countries, in clear violation of the procedure, Paraguay firmly expresses its disagreement with what happened and does not grant consensus for the adoption of the document”, expressed the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry in a note delivered to its Honduran counterpart.

Meanwhile, the government of the ultra-right-wing Argentine President Javier Milei expressed “its most energetic rejection of the violation of the procedures governing the functioning” of CELAC.

In this regard, the Argentine Foreign Ministry said in a communiqué that it did not give its consensus for the adoption of the so-called “Declaration of Tegucigalpa” either. It pointed out that, nevertheless, the temporary Honduran presidency “tried to impose said text in an illegitimate manner, invoking a non-existent figure in the normative framework of CELAC: the so-called ‘sufficient consensus’”, an expression that it considered “ambiguous and imprecise”.

He added that he has placed on formal record that said declaration cannot be considered an official document. “A note has been sent to all Member States requesting the Pro Tempore Presidency to refrain from presenting as valid or representative any declaration that does not have the express consensus of all the States”, the Argentine Foreign Ministry stated.

Likewise, he expressed that he sees “with concern” that within the Celac “authoritarian and non-democratic regimes are being given a voice and protagonism, whose participation should be suspended until they are re-established as democratic countries with full respect for human and civil rights”.

According to the Paraguayan government, the clarification of the positions of Paraguay and Argentina, countries governed by presidents who maintain an ideological harmony, should be inserted in the final declaration.

In the final declaration of the summit, which includes eight points, the attending leaders expressed their open rejection of “the imposition of unilateral coercive measures, contrary to international law, including restrictions on international trade” in allusion to the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Paraguayan Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to queries from The Associated Press as to what would be the points of disagreement for the consensus not to be reached.

The Brazilian government is preparing an appeal against the decision of the Audiencia Nacional while Judge Moraes asks for explanations from the ambassador in Brasilia.

The case for the extradition of a bolsonarista, who settled in Spain in 2023 to evade the Brazilian Supreme Court, has tarnished the fluid relationship between the two countries. The decision of the Spanish National Court to reject, last Monday, the surrender of Oswaldo Eustaquio Filho, wanted for participating in the coup conspiracy, was answered a few hours later by the judge investigating the case in Brazil, Alexandre de Moraes, with two retaliatory decisions: he suspended an extradition process requested by Spain and publicly requested explanations from the ambassador in Brasilia within five days. Meanwhile, the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is preparing the appeal to be presented before the National Court in Madrid and the Spanish Executive remains silent.

Oswaldo Eustaquio Filho, a 46-year-old journalist, is a Bolsonaro activist who has been prosecuted by Brazil's Supreme Court on charges of coup d'état and spreading false news. Brazil claims him for inciting followers of former president Jair Bolsonaro to perpetrate anti-democratic acts against the Supreme Court and for publicly exposing police commissioners who have investigated coup cases in order to intimidate them. In 2023, he arrived in Madrid and filed a request for asylum because he considers himself a victim of political persecution.

For Judge de Moraes, the National Court's rejection of the request for surrender is “a lack of respect for the reciprocity” contemplated in the bilateral extradition treaty that has been in force for more than three decades. For this reason, as soon as it learned of the decision of the Spanish magistrates, it issued a public note in which it asked for explanations to the Spanish ambassador in Brasilia, Mar Fernandez-Palacios, within five days and announced that it was suspending the surrender of a Bulgarian wanted by Spain for drug trafficking named Vasil Georgiev Vasilev. The judge also ordered his release in order to keep him in house arrest with an electronic anklet.

Moraes is the most powerful judge in Brazil, the one in charge of investigating the case against former president Jair Bolsonaro and his alleged accomplices in the coup plot and most of the cases against Bolsonarism.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's government is preparing an appeal against the rejection of the surrender. The ministry considers that the crimes charged against Eustáquio by the Brazilian Supreme Court (“obstruction of an investigation, incitement to crime, association to commit a crime, corruption of minors and disclosure of confidential data”) “are punishable both by Brazilian law and by the Spanish Criminal Code, with prison sentences exceeding one year, and are therefore subject to extradition”, according to a note released by the Brazilian Department of Justice and quoted by Efe.

The Spanish National Court refused to extradite Eustaquio Filho to Brazil on the grounds that the actions with which he is charged have “an obvious political connection and motivation” and, therefore, are excluded from the bilateral extradition treaty, which does provide for extradition in exceptional cases, such as attacks against heads of state and government, acts of terrorism or war crimes, crimes against peace or the security of mankind.

In an 11-page resolution, the Spanish magistrates of the Audiencia Nacional argue that authorizing the extradition would result in “a high risk that the situation of the defendant could be aggravated because of his political opinions and his adherence to a certain ideology”. In any case, they add that the publications in social networks against the commissioner who heads the investigations on the cases of coup exceed “the scope of the rights of freedom of expression and information”, contrary to the thesis defended by the lawyers of the pro-Bolsonar activist.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasizes Russia’s respect for Latin America’s sovereignty and its pivotal role in shaping a multipolar world during a diplomatic exhibition in Moscow.

Russia and Latin America: A Strategic Alliance for a Multipolar World

At an event commemorating decades of diplomatic relations between Russia and various Latin American countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underscored the region’s significance as a key player in the emerging multipolar world order. The exhibition, titled “Year of Anniversaries: From Mexico to Argentina,” celebrates the political, economic, and cultural cooperation that has strengthened ties between Moscow and Latin America.

Russia Reaffirms his Support for Latin American Countries Sovereignty

Lavrov highlighted Russia’s historical commitment to non-interference in Latin America’s affairs, recalling the Russian Empire’s stance during the region’s independence wars in the 19th century. “We have always respected the decision of Latin American peoples to solidify their true sovereignty,” he stated. This sentiment resonates strongly in a global context where traditional powers continue to exert influence over the region.

Latin America’s Strategic Role in Multipolarity

Lavrov described Latin America as “one of the powerful poles of the emerging multipolar world order.” According to him, the region plays a crucial role in democratizing international relations by promoting a fairer and more balanced global system. This perspective aligns with Latin America’s growing call for new alliances and reduced dependence on the United States.

The Foreign Minister emphasized the vast potential for expanding bilateral relations across sectors such as trade, investment, technology, science, and culture. “We are ready to work together to strengthen our ties in all areas,” Lavrov declared. This reflects Russia’s strategic interest in fostering economic partnerships with resource-rich and emerging markets in Latin America.

Shared Traditions as a Foundation for Diplomatic Success

Lavrov pointed out that longstanding traditions of friendship, trust, and mutual sympathy form the bedrock of successful future cooperation between Russia and Latin America. The exhibition showcases historical documents that trace these relationships’ evolution into strategic partnerships.

Challenging U.S. Dominance

From a progressive viewpoint, this alliance between Russia and Latin America can be seen as resistance against U.S. dominance in the region. Countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua are central to Russia’s strategy of building an alternative bloc that promotes regional autonomy while countering Washington’s sanctions.

Opportunities for Equitable Integration

Russia’s increasing presence in Latin America offers new geopolitical and economic options for countries in the region. However, this relationship must be monitored to ensure it does not replicate extractive or asymmetric dynamics similar to those historically imposed by other foreign powers.

Lavrov’s remarks reflect a strategic vision aimed at strengthening ties between Russia and Latin America as part of a broader effort to construct a fairer multipolar world order. For progressive voices in Latin America, this partnership represents an opportunity to consolidate regional sovereignty amidst external pressures.

At least six people were injured, including one critically, in a shooting at Florida State University, highlighting the unchecked epidemic of gun violence in the United States amid lax firearm regulations.

A shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on April 17 left six people injured, one critically, after a suspected gunman entered the campus Student Union. The incident, which triggered campus-wide lockdowns and chaotic evacuations, underscores the pervasive threat of gun violence in U.S. educational institutions and the political inertia surrounding firearm reform.

Students described scenes of caos and panic as authorities issued active shooter alerts, urging people to seek shelter immediately. Video footage showed individuals barricading doors and crouching under desks, while others were evacuated with hands raised under police escort. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was apprehended shortly after the shooting, and multiple weapons were reportedly found in their possession.

Political Inaction and the Human Cost of Gun Culture. The shooting occurred in Florida, a state that has loosened gun restrictions under recent legislation, including permitless carry laws enacted in 2023. Despite vocal demands from activists for stricter background checks and bans on assault weapons, policymakers like Governor Ron DeSantis have prioritized rhetoric over reform, offering “thoughts and prayers” while avoiding substantive action.

This incident follows a pattern of mass shootings in schools, workplaces, and public spaces across the U.S., where firearm-related deaths now surpass 40,000 annually. Advocacy groups like Everytown for Gun Safety attribute the crisis to easy access to firearms and the influence of pro-gun lobbying groups on legislators.

“We heard shouting, then the alarms went off,” said Joshua Sirmans, a student who witnessed the evacuation. “Everyone was terrified—this shouldn’t be normal.” Similar testimonies have emerged from survivors of shootings in Buffalo, Uvalde, and Parkland, where communities continue to demand accountability from leaders who refuse to challenge the gun lobby.

While the U.S. accounts for 4% of the global population, it holds over 40% of the world’s civilian-owned firearms. Critics argue that the nation’s refusal to adopt measures commonplace in other democracies,such as universal background checks and red-flag laws,perpetuates a cycle of preventable tragedies.

The Florida State shooting adds to the growing toll of a crisis that disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including Black and Latino populations, who face both systemic violence and political neglect.

The Tallahassee shooting is not an isolated event, but a symptom of a society that prioritizes gun ownership over human life. As victims recover, the absence of meaningful legislative action continues to betray a nation in crisis, where classrooms resemble battlegrounds and students are left to navigate a landscape of fear.