Organization of American States
www.oas.org

 

(E-025/02)

February 7, 2002

INFORMED DIALOGUE VITAL IN UNCERTAIN TIMES, EINAUDI SAYS

 

At a time when the Americas and the world are facing many uncertainties, it is more critical than ever to have an informed dialogue on trade, democracy and other key issues, the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Luigi Einaudi, said today. 

He made his remarks while introducing U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick at the launching of the Spanish-language edition of Foreign Affairs magazine, which took place at OAS headquarters in Washington. 

Einaudi argued that “successful cooperation and economic opportunity depend on the rule of law and on the democratic practices now being defended by the OAS. Free trade must have a solid political and social foundation if it is to take hold.” 

As the hemisphere's leading multilateral political forum, the OAS plays a key role in forging consensus on such issues, said Einaudi, who noted the Organization's leadership in adopting the Inter-American Democratic Charter last September.  

The Assistant Secretary General welcomed the addition of the Spanish-language Foreign Affairs magazine, adding that "it is vital to have access to perspectives and opinions from leading thinkers throughout the hemisphere."  

Guests at the event included Andrés Rozental, President of the newly founded Mexican Council of International Affairs; Peter Hakim, President of the Inter-American Dialogue; Rafael Fernández de Castro, Editor of the Spanish-language edition of Foreign Affairs; and Rossana Fuentes-Berain, Deputy Editor.

 

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