E-109/00 May 19, 2000 High definition pictures of the Permanent Council session available   OAS Condemns Coup Attempt in Paraguay   The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) today "vehemently" condemned the "assault on the democratic and constitutional order of Paraguay" and expressed its unwavering support for the government of Paraguayan President Luis Gonz�lez Macchi. Ambassador Diego Abente Brun, Paraguay’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, briefed the Council about the events that began yesterday at around 9:30 p.m. He said a group of retired members of the military, along with some active military personnel and a group of civilians, tried to overthrow the government by force and dissolve the National Congress. However, the Paraguayan diplomat said, the vast majority of the military supported the constitutional government and control was restored in the early morning hours. Ambassador Abente thanked OAS Secretary General C�sar Gaviria for his prompt expression of support. In radio interviews late last night, the Secretary General assured the people of Paraguay that the OAS "surrounds and supports" the country’s democratic government. Abente also underscored the support expressed by various countries and international entities, including the European Union and the Mercosur bloc (along with Bolivia and Chile) for the support they had shown for the constitutional government. The Vice Chairman of the Permanent Council, Ambassador Alvaro Jos� Sevilla of Nicaragua, presided over today’s session. Following is the text of the resolution approved by the Council.   # # #