PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD (AP) - The final declaration of the Summit of Americas, which Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and his leftist bloc refused to sign, turned out to have just one signatory.
It was Prime Minister Patrick Manning, host of the 34-nation summit.
He said during Sunday’s closing ceremony that “there was not unanimity, but there was consensus” on the declaration.
Chavez and allies including Nicaragua and Bolivia refused to sign chiefly because they want Cuba reinstated in the Organization of American States, which suspended it in 1962.
The declaration sets hemispheric goals including promoting human development and environmental sustainability. It is not in any way binding.
Manning said the leaders authorized him to sign it on their behalf, so he did.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.