E-074/00
April 3, 2000

 

YEMENI PRESIDENT TELLS OAS MEMBERS OF HIS
COUNTRY'S FOCUS ON DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

 

President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen, addressing the Organization of American States (OAS) Monday, stressed the strides at strengthening democracy, peace, security and development. Human rights also featured high on the list of issues to which he said his government gives "high importance."

He expressed Yemen's appreciation for the observer status the OAS granted in November 1997, noting Yemen's "desire to continue building bridges of cooperation."

Mr. Saleh's presentation to the protocolary session called in his honor marked the first by an Arab or Middle East head of state. The Yemeni leader was welcomed upon arrival by the Assistant Secretary General, Christopher Thomas.

Ambassador Thomas praised Mr. Saleh's leadership building his country's democratic process. He outlined OAS endeavors for democracy throughout the hemisphere, asserting that "in our view, democracy is the only mechanism by which we can ensure peace and prosperity in the region."

The Permanent Council session was chaired by Bolivia's Ambassador Marcelo Ostria Trigo, who only today succeeded Belize Ambassador James Murphy in the rotating three-month chairmanship.

 

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