(E-088/01)
April 18, 2001ARGENTINA PROPOSES NEW AGENDA ITEM FOR OAS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY DIALOGUE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS
Argentina's delegation to the Organization of American States today proposed a new item, "Restructuring of the Inter-American System in Light of the Summit of the Americas: Strengthening and Modernization of the OAS," for the agenda of the Dialogue of Heads of Delegation that is slated to take place during the OAS General Assembly session in San José, Costa Rica, from June 3 to 5.
Ambassador Raúl Ricardes, the Argentine Permanent Representative, told a meeting of the Preparatory Committee of the General Assembly that, "if the objective is to strengthen and modernize the inter-American system then the role of the OAS needs to be clearly defined, in light of the dynamics of the Summit of the Americas."
The proposal, which was well-received among the delegations, seeks a consolidated role for the OAS as the Hemisphere's highest political forum, with support from all the member states. The Ambassador elaborated: "This involves the concept of an OAS with its senior authorities meeting regularly to discuss issues based on a common hemispheric agenda."
Turning to the Declaration expected to be adopted in Quebec City, Canada, this weekend, stressing "the active support of the OAS" as well as a central role for the Organization in implementing the Summit mandates, the Ambassador stressed that "the OAS is the only formally structured institution with the capacity to handle regional mandates generated by the Summits."
The Argentine initiative also proposes making the OAS a forum to establish political mandates in areas of government that are involved with initiatives arising from the Summits. "We invite the various delegations to consider and suggest issues they see as crucial for the Foreign Ministers' Dialogue," the Argentine diplomat said.
Colombia's Ambassador Humberto de la Calle chairs the Preparatory Committee of the General Assembly, which approved the proposal and will refer it to the member states.
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