E-173/00
September 29, 2000 U.S. RATIFIES OAS ANTI-CORRUPTION TREATY
The United States government today deposited with the
Organization of American States (OAS) instruments ratifying the Inter-American Convention
against Corruption, reaffirming its commitment to work together with the other countries
of the hemisphere to combat corruption.
Ambassador Luis Lauredo, the U.S. Permanent Representative
to the OAS, presented the documents to the OAS Secretary General César Gaviria, at a
ceremony at OAS Headquarters in Washington. He said the move was part of a global effort
to tackle corruption wherever it occurs. "Most of this hemisphere's countries have
embraced democracy and most are working daily to bring political and economic stability to
their citizens," he said.
Hailing the move by the U.S. government, the Secretary
General described corruption as one of the most serious crimes threatening the
consolidation of democracy as well as economic and social development in the hemisphere.
He added that, by ratifying the hemispheric treaty, the U.S. was confirming its
"commitment to one of the most important collective goals in the Americas."
Describing this inter-American convention as the most
comprehensive instrument yet to deal with corruption, Mr. Gaviria explained that the
international community has recognized the United States leadership in the war on
corruption. "In relation to crimes of corruption, the Convention is the most
important inter-American treaty on extradition, judicial cooperation, the exchange of
evidence and the adoption of measures pertaining to property."
During the ceremony, the U.S. Special Envoy for the
Americas, Kenneth McKay, read a letter from Vice President Al Gore, conveying his support
for the hemispheric treaty against corruption.
The treaty was adopted on March 29, 1996, in Caracas,
Venezuela. It entered into force on March 6, 1997, and now with the United States on
board, is ratified by 20 of the 34 OAS member states.
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