Mr Rodriguez is pleased with summit preparations

However, Luis Alberto Rodriguez says it does not mean that leaders cannot raise issues about matters in the declaration when they meet in Port of Spain next week Saturday.

Recently, there have been indications that Venezuela and a number of countries which are part of the Bolivarian alternative to the hemispheric summit could raise concerns about elements of the declaration.

Technocrats and diplomats of all 34 participating countries of the Organisation of American States finalized the declaration a week ago in Washington.

Concerns about Cuba

However, presidents Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela have had consultations with former president of Cuba, Fidel Castro on its contents.

In a statement, President Chavez has raised concerns about Cuba’s continuing exclusion from the hemispheric grouping and also about elements of the declaration.

He said there were a number of inadmissible concepts in the document, which he felt could set back the development of Latin America and the Caribbean.

However Ambassador Rodriguez has all but ruled out the possible reopening of discussion on the declaration.

“I don’t see how the declaration could be reopened. It’s closed and agreed to,” he told BBC Caribbean.

However he suggested that “it’s quite possible that they may wish to speak on additional issues. That is what the purpose of the summit is all about.”

On the issue of Cuba’s continuing omission from hemispheric forums the director general says there is sufficient space in the summit’s agenda for such discussion by the leaders.

“I think it’s a matter for the United States government to decide,” he said.

Recalling that the issue was brought up by President Obama during his election campaign, Mr Rodriguez suggested that “one should focus in that direction to see where it would lead”.

Regarding the ongoing preparations for the summit, Ambassador Rodriguez said he was satisfied with the security arrangement being made.