South America

The Manta and Montecristi Declaration, which emerged from the international event held in Ecuador in support of the passage of the Peace Boat, asks governments throughout the world for the abolition of nuclear arms, the dismantlement and recycling of foreign military bases, and the implementation of peace constitutions such as those that exist in Ecuador, Japan, and Costa Rica.

The Peruvian Government has sent four ministerial delegations to various South American countries to put into practice a proposal made by Alan Garcia, the President of Peru, at the last South American Union of Nations meeting. The Proposal is promoting a commitment to non-aggression, with the aim of ending the huge arms purchase in a continent seeking to eradicate poverty.

A report prepared by Marco Gandásegui, professor at the University of Panama and researcher associated with the CELA, demonstrates that the United States approved a military budget of 626 billion dollars in October 2009, the highest sum for a country in all of history. Alarming statistics and tendencies for a world that is on the brink of a possible nuclear tragedy.

With the help of well-known personalities from the world of culture, politics and media, the organization World Without Wars in Argentina held a dinner show at the Armenian Center of Buenos Aires, which had a full house: 400 people contributed to secure resources that will be used for the televised broadcast of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence.

October 27, before departing for a European tour, singer-composer Gilberto Gil announces his support endorsing The World March for Peace and Nonviolence on its international campaign for peace and disarmament. The former Minister of Culture declares: “Peace is a daily task of construction, laying the foundation brick by brick, maybe one day it will start growing…”

As part of its 67th voyage around the world, the Peace Boat will arrive in the port of Manta in Ecuador carrying over 400 passengers and 10 Hibakusha (survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs) who are participants in the “Global Voyage for a Nuclear-Free World – Peace Boat Hibakusha Project.” The program includes a conference on peace constitutions.

Senator Miriam Gallardo, together with the organization World Without Wars in Mendoza, promoted a multimedia experience for the nonviolent cause. It will take place between November 2 and January 1 and will reflect, in works from youth and children’s groups, representations of the kind of world in which they would like to live.

Including the Mayor of Moreno, now more than a dozen cities in Argentina have endorsed the World March for Peace and Nonviolence. Mayor Arregui, in his message announcing participation in the initiative, which he made in the La Reja Park of Study and Reflection in Moreno, Buenos Aires, called on others to work “hard in the fight against violence and for world peace”.

The Nobel Peace Prize that U.S. President Barack Obama recently received continues to provoke strong debate. Writers, ambassadors and institutions have opined on the controversial choice. What is certain is that, with this award, it is hoped that Obama makes a contribution to the strengthening of Peace in his country and in the world.

Lanin Volcano is situated in south east Neuquén province in Argentina. Two mountaineers, Siloman Toledo and Cecilia Ulloa, reached its summit at 3776m, where they unfurled the World March for Peace and Non-Violence flag. According to the two adventurers, “we hope that this experience is inspiring and that we manage to raise awareness in society”.