Press Release
E-117/01
June 4, 2001
General Assembly

NEW DONATIONS TO OAS PEACE FUND SURPASS $350,000

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica–The Organization of American States (OAS) today announced new donations totaling more than (U.S.) $350,000 to the OAS Fund for Peace, which supports the peaceful resolution of territorial disputes. Both OAS member and observer countries have contributed cash, equipment and expertise to the voluntary fund, which is currently supporting efforts to settle problems between Belize and Guatemala, and Honduras and Nicaragua.

During a ceremony at the annual OAS General Assembly, Secretary General C�sar Gaviria said the donations will enhance the Organization’s ability to promote dialogue and reduce tensions among OAS member countries. "Resolving disputes can be a lengthy and sometimes costly process that involves special missions, observation efforts and outside consultations," Gaviria said. "These generous contributions will reinforce OAS efforts to strengthen peace and security in the hemisphere."

Five OAS member states announced new contributions to the Fund, including Canada ($CDN 50,000), Mexico and the United States ($50,000). Argentina and Brazil will supply experts in military issues to assist in the recently announced OAS Civilian Verification Mission to Honduras and Nicaragua.

Five OAS observer countries also made contributions to the Fund for Peace. Denmark and Spain each contributed approximately $100,000, while the United Kingdom donated $25,000 and Israel $20,000. Italy will contribute sophisticated Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment worth some $13,000.

Belize and Guatemala have been conducting negotiations over the past 14 months to resolve their longstanding territorial differendum. The two countries have agreed to negotiate solely within the framework of the OAS, with Secretary General Gaviria serving as Witness of Honor to the process.

The OAS Civilian Verification Mission to Honduras and Nicaragua will monitor compliance with a series of confidence-building measures the two countries negotiated last year, with OAS support. The measures are intended to reduce tensions while the substance of their boundary dispute is decided by the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Since the Fund for Peace was created a year ago, it has raised more than $500,000. Previous donors are: Argentina, Belize, Canada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, the United Kingdom and the United States.