(E-029/01) February 5, 2001 Photos OAS Secretary General speech CANADA'S PRIME MINISTER REITERATES HUMAN SECURITY CONCERNS AT THE OAS In a historic address to the Organization of American States in Washington today, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien reiterated the theme of human security as a major focus of the upcoming Third Summit of the Americas that he will host in Quebec City in April. Mr. Chrétien told a special session of the OAS Permanent Council that human security "is unlikely to be attained in conditions of poverty and unequal opportunity." He called for effective social policies as the "guarantee that will allow democracy and prosperity to flourish." The Canadian leader, who will also meet with United States President George Bush while in Washington, told the member country ambassadors and permanent observers about his country's desire to see the Quebec City summit of Western Hemisphere leaders emerge with "a clear and forceful commitment to strengthening democracy and fostering social inclusion. "It will mean empowering local governments and safeguarding the rights of minorities, indigenous peoples, migrants and the disabled," the Prime Minister declared, emphasizing the need to make "the strongest possible pledge to promoting the legal, economic and social equality of women and men." Prime Minister Chrétien also identified the "digital divide" as target of Canada's attention in an effort to promote his idea of "La Gran Family" (The Great Family) of the Americas. He challenged the Hemisphere's governments to take on a pivotal role in determining how the revolution in information technology is managed, "ensuring that their ability to bridge vast distances, expand access to knowledge and increase productivity is shared equitably." Commending the accomplishments of the OAS, notably in shoring up democracy, resolving complicated border disputes and ensuring electoral fairness, the Canadian Prime Minister also renewed his support for the hemispheric body. In his capacity as Permanent Council Chairman, Chile's Ambassador Esteban Tomic welcomed the Prime Minister, emphasizing as well Canada's contribution to hemispheric affairs since it joined the Organization in 1990. OAS Secretary General César Gaviria opened the protocolary meeting of the Permanent Council, noting how Canada's entry in 1990 "reinvigorated the Organization, providing a new perspective on--and a new approach to--the inter-American system." Mr. Gaviria said too that the upcoming Quebec City gathering should be used to "consolidate the efforts of the past, which make the Summit of the Americas the most powerful integration instrument in the Hemisphere." He expressed the view that despite the advances since the "dark days of dictatorship," the is still much to be done. He cautioned: "Democracy can no longer be considered an absolute certainty. Democracy is at risk, and this risk stems from the inability of our states to meet the demand of our citizenry." **********