(C-153/00)
August 23, 2000NEW AMBASSADOR OF URUGUAY TO THE OAS PRESENTS HIS CREDENTIALS
The new Permanent Representative of Uruguay to the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Juan Enrique Fischer, today presented his credentials to the Secretary General, César Gaviria, reaffirming his government's commitment to the principles enshrined in the OAS Charter.
"There is no better expression of our common values than the principles of the Charter," said the Uruguayan diplomat, adding that "under the dynamic leadership of the Secretary General, the American nations are engaged in enhancing and strengthening their community of interests and values, which finds its highest expression in the Organization of American States."
He also stated that his country is "a fervent defender of international law as the basis for free and balanced coexistence among the nations of the Hemisphere."
In greeting the Ambassador, the OAS Secretary General pointed to the long-standing Uruguayan tradition of respect for the rule of law and the development of democratic institutions. Mr. Gaviria also called attention to "the leading role played by Uruguay in developing the multilateral evaluation process within the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), to which all the countries have committed," to combat the scourge of drugs.
Before assuming his new functions, Ambassador Fischer headed his country's mission to the United Kingdom, from 1993 to 1998, and served concurrently as Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland.
Since he entered the Uruguayan foreign service in 1962, Ambassador Fischer has played important roles in the Uruguayan foreign ministry, and has represented his country at numerous international meetings and conferences. From 1985 to 1989, he served as Alternate Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
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