COSTA DO SAUIPE, Brazil — Latin American and Caribbean leaders called Wednesday for the creation of a regional union that would exclude the U.S. and oppose outside interference at a summit hailed as a historic expression of independence.
With 33 nations represented by heads of state or other top officials, it was the largest regional gathering of its kind that did not include the U.S. or a European power, and also marked the international debut of Cuban President Raul Castro.
Summit participants called for an end to the U.S. embargo of Cuba, and Bolivia’s leftist president, Evo Morales, even encouraged Latin American nations to expel their U.S. ambassadors unless the incoming government of President-elect Barack Obama lifts the embargo on the communist-run island.
