Zelaya: Crisis Reveals Capitalism’s Shortcomings CUBA, March 4th, 2009. The importance of integration to face the current economic crisis and in the search for new development models that combat poverty were at the center of the presentation by Honduran President Jose Manuel Zelaya at the second session of the 11th International Economists Conference on Globalization and Development Problems taking place in Havana. The Honduran leader was the first speaker on Tuesday afternoon. After saying that it was an honor to participate in the event, he stressed that integration was the path to follow today. "Our economies are practically isolated from the international debate of the groups that monopolize trade, but by joining together we can search for alternatives," said Zelaya. He recalled that when his country decided to become a member of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), which he called "a historic, unprecedented event for Honduras" large programs of joint cooperation began to be implemented with the goal of eradicating illiteracy, rural poverty and boosting farm programs for small producers and others. Zelaya noted that the crisis has revealed the shortcomings and flaws of the system, unveiling its vices, its addictions, its weak points and has hit the structures of all the components of the capitalist model. "It began with the financial speculation in the United States and in the end affected the banks, the multi-national companies and the world," he added. Likewise, the Honduran leader noted that despite the serious crisis, it’s not the end of the capitalist system. But he said "the financial, speculative, un-governable, injustice and intolerant globalization is mortally wounded. However, it will take a lot of political will because that system has showed throughout history to be capable of reproducing itself." Zelaya also criticized the huge lack of trust generated in the markets along with the panic, and a stampede in many capitals, as well the increasing unemployment, hunger, poverty and greater forms of inequality and dependence. In that light he called for a restructuring o the international economic order, with equal rights and justice. Zelaya said that globalization must open its borders to human solidarity; that capital should be at the service of humankind and never the other way around. He stressed the need for controls that protect our interests instead of processes of political domination. Before concluding, Zelaya asked to give a special greeting to the Cuban government and people. "We admire and respect Cuba, we have recognized your struggle", and condemn "the absurd blockade" that the United States has imposed on you for nearly five decades. (Cubaminrex- Granma) |