January press release banner.GIF (30064 bytes)

E-001/2000
January 11, 2000

 

NEW U.S. ENVOY REITERATES COMMITMENT TO OAS WORK

 

Luis J. Lauredo, the new Permanent Representative of the United States, presented credentials to Organization of American States Secretary General César Gaviria at the Organization’s headquarters in Washington on Tuesday, renewing the U.S. commitment to building "a stronger, cooperative partnership" with the hemisphere.

During a brief ceremony, he described U.S. relations with the hemisphere as "dynamic." He added that those relations were presently seeing a most exciting period.

Ambassador Lauredo stressed that despite great challenges before the hemisphere’s nations, "there is a strong consensus in this hemisphere on democracy, open markets, the rule of law and a common commitment to peace."

A former Executive Director for the Summit of the Americas that was held in Miami in 1994, Ambassador Lauredo observed that the hemispheric summit process had promoted a new culture of mutual respect among the nations of the region. "A new spirit of common cause has been born to address our significant remaining social and economic problems," he said.

Secretary General Gaviria welcomed the new envoy to the hemispheric body, praising his expertise on hemispheric issues. He also made reference to the many new mandates the Organization had received, saying they offered innovative and exciting opportunities to work for the benefit of the people of the hemisphere.

Prior to this diplomatic appointment, Lauredo was president of an international law firm. He also served as Commissioner of the Florida Public Service Commission.

 

 

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