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E-040/00
February 29, 2000

Statement of OAS Secretary General César Gaviria

Today, while in Montevideo to attend Uruguay’s presidential inauguration, I have learned through the Honduran and Nicaraguan press about statements made by Mr. Guillermo Molina, director of the national office of the Organization of American States in Honduras, regarding the territorial dispute between these two countries.

I would like to express my clear and energetic condemnation and rejection of such statements, which do not reflect the reality of the process that is currently underway, nor the Organization’s position of absolute neutrality in helping to facilitate dialogue between the parties.

The governments of Honduras and Nicaragua have fully demonstrated, from the beginning, their commitment and will to resolve their differences by means of dialogue and legal channels, for the sake of peace and integration in the region.

For his part, Ambassador Luigi Einaudi, whom I appointed as Special Representative on this matter, has firmly rejected any expression of partiality as foreign to this process, which has earned the OAS the trust of both parties. He has stressed, moreover, that only direct talks can result in a reduction in tensions and in a search for concerted solutions.

The achievements and advances already reached demonstrate the positive progress in this dialogue. A process of this nature requires a particularly careful management. Ambassador Einaudi is the only OAS representative authorized to speak to the press and to inform the public about this matter.

I reiterate my rejection and disavowal of Mr. Molina’s comments, and offer my assurances that appropriate corrective measures will be taken.

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