(E-147/00) August 8, 2000 SPAIN WANTS TO BOOST DIALOGUE BETWEEN AMERICAS AND EUROPE Presenting credentials at the Organization of American States (OAS) today, Spain's new Permanent Observer, Ambassador Eduardo Gutiérrez Sáenz de Buruaga, said his country wanted to play a more prominent role fostering political dialogue between the Americas and Europe. The Ambassador noted that Spain is the largest investor in a number of Western Hemisphere countries, and that Latin America is the biggest recipient of Spanish official development assistance--accounting for more than 30 per cent. He explained that Spain wants to boost its cooperation in international forums by way of a closer political dialogue on issues of mutual interest. The Ambassador also assured OAS Secretary General César Gaviria of the continued firm support of the Spanish government for the OAS, praising the Organization for its important work towards peace and stability in the region. "The OAS has been quick to tackle attempts to undermine the constitutional order in several countries of the Hemisphere, by invoking the principle of peaceful settlement of conflicts and by acting with credibility and objectivity which have helped to reduce tensions and establish procedures for member states to settle their differences," he observed. Secretary General Gaviria hailed Spain as one of the Organization's most active observer countries. "We deeply appreciate Spain's interest in the OAS and the [Spanish] cooperation we receive, primarily in the areas of cooperation for development, human rights and strengthening democracy in the Americas." Spain was the first country to request--and be granted--OAS observer status (in 1972) and is one of only three countries with an ambassador accredited exclusively to the OAS.     **********