(E-203/00) November 22, 2000   FRANCE REITERATES IMPORTANCE OF OAS France today reiterated the importance it attaches to efforts by the Organization of American States to foster peace and stability in the Americas. In her maiden address to the OAS Permanent Council, that country's newly-installed Permanent Observer to the Organization, Ambassador Sylvie Alvarez, explained that "France takes deep interest in and supports moves by the Organization and the Secretary General at peace-keeping and strengthening democracy--in particular, as regards mediation and confidence-building." The French diplomat told the Council of representatives of Western Hemisphere nations that OAS electoral observation missions that help shore up democracy in member states "call for strong commitment to democratic values as well as courage on the part of the OAS' leaders." Citing democracy, human rights, the rights of indigenous populations and the war on drug-running and money-laundering as top priorities common to the OAS and France, Ambassador Alvarez said "my country holds a very high regard for the Hemisphere's influence and dynamism on the political, economic and cultural landscape." Permanent Council Chairman, Canada's Ambassador Peter Boehm, led of the welcome by OAS diplomats to the new French observer, pledging to work closely with her as she collaborates on the inter-American agenda. *******