(E-184/00) October 12, 2000 OAS REFLECTS ON COLUMBUS' HISTORY-MAKING JOURNEY The Hemisphere's nations marked the 508th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the New World at a protocolary meeting of the Organization of American States Permanent Council in Washington, with diplomats reflecting on the journey that dramatically changed the course of history. Permanent Council Chairman Ambassador Peter Boehm of Canada remarked that while Columbus Day was an opportunity to reflect on more than 500 years of European settlement in the Americas, "this Encounter of Two Worlds has had both bright and dark chapters." Bahamian Ambassador Joshua Sears concurred with those sentiments, noting too "the spirit of adventurism, exploration, rebirth and renewed interest in researching the original civilizations of the Americas" as some of the "positive reminders of that encounter." Guanahani, San Salvador, part of what is now The Bahamas, was where Columbus first set foot on land in the New World. That historic voyage was an "extraordinary feat," Colombia's Ambassador Alfredo Ramos said, adding that "as we tackle present and future challenges, we must be mindful of the strengths we have derived from 500 years of civilization and culture--without forgetting the toil and travails of those who have constructed it." Speaking at the protocolary session, Spain's Permanent Observer to the OAS, Eduardo Gutiérrez, said his country Spain stood ready to support a move he suggested for debate and exchange among member states to spur cooperative strategies to tackle "real needs" they faced. Ambassador Gutiérrez said "as an observer interested in and committed to the development of the Hemisphere and the OAS," Spain wanted to even further strengthen its ties with the OAS under a "reinforced status duly recognizing this commitment." **********