In theory, the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas, better known as alba, is a Venezuelan-led trade pact based on the principle of "solidarity". Set up three years ago by Cuba's leader, Fidel Castro, and his close ally, Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, it rejects the free-trade model of integration espoused by the United States. Many have dismissed it as a group of client states, sustained by Venezuelan oil money. Now Mr Chavez wants to turn it into a mutual defence pact that would protect its members from attack by the United States or its ally, Colombia.
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