Section Five: International Relations
Article 152: The international relations of the Republic serve the
ends of the State as a function of the exercise of sovereignty and the
interests of the people; they are governed by the principles of independence, equality between States, free self-determination and nonintervention in their internal affairs, the peaceful resolution of international conflicts, cooperation, respect of human rights and solidarity
among peoples in the struggle for their liberation and the welfare of
humanity. The Republic shall maintain the finest and most resolute
defense of these principles and democratic practices in all international organs and institutions.
Article 153: The Republic shall promote, and encourage Latin
American and Caribbean integration, in the interest of advancing
toward the creation of a community of nations, defending the region's
economic, social, cultural, political and environmental interests. The
Republic shall have the power to sign international treaties that implement and coordinate efforts to promote the common development of
our nations, and to ensure the welfare of their peoples and the collective security of their inhabitants. To these ends, the Republic may
transfer to supranational organizations, through treaties, the exercise
of the necessary authorities to carry out these integration processes.
In its policies of integration and union with Latin America and the
Caribbean, the Republic shall give privileged status to relations with
Bier American countries, striving to make this a common policy
throughout our Latin America. Provisions adopted within the framework of integration agreements shall be regarded as an integral part of
the legal order in force, and shall be applicable directly and with priority over internal legislation.
Article 154: Treaties agreed to by the Republic must be approved
by the National Assembly prior to their ratification by the President of
the Republic, with the exception of those which seek to perform or
perfect pre-existing obligations of the Republic, apply principles
expressly recognized by the Republic, perform ordinary acts in inter-
