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| October 30, 2000 STATEMENT BY
THE OAS SECRETARY GENERAL In light of recent developments in the dialogue process in Peru and of government decisions regarding changes in the military heirarchy, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), César Gaviria, and the Ambassador of Canada to the OAS, Peter Boehm, wish to express their satisfaction with the actions of the government of President Alberto Fujimori, representatives of the political opposition and civil society groups. Since last Wednesday, important commitments have been reached that make it possible for Congress to approve, on November 2, the constitutional reform to convene presidential and congressional elections for April 8, 2001. Of equal importance is the adoption of legal criteria to re-establish the duties of the National Magistrate Council, as well as the steps that have been taken related to freedom of expression and support for the electoral system. The decisions made by President Alberto Fujimori related to changes in the high command of the Armed Forces represent an important contribution to the process of institutional strengthening and demonstrate that he holds institutional command over the Armed Forces, which must be seen as positive for them. All of us in the Americas hope that the Armed Forces continue contributing to the consolidation of democratic institutions in Peru. Since all the opposition groups have agreed to discuss the issue of national reconciliation at the negotiating table, a working group has been formed to examine this issue and seek agreements between the government, the opposition and civil society. César Gaviria Trujillo Peter Boehm OAS Secretary General Representing the government of Canada ********** |