E-073/99ie
July 14, 1999

OAS CHIEF WELCOMES ARGENTINE-BRITISH ACCORD

 

César Gaviria, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), today welcomed the agreement signed in London by Argentina’s Foreign Minister Guido Di Tella and Britain’s Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, concerning the South Atlantic.

"The agreement reached between the two nations is ample demonstration of the spirit of confidence and security now prevailing in the region. It paves the way for both nations to find avenues of understanding and cooperation," Mr. Gaviria stated.

The OAS chief, who telephoned Argentine President Carlos Menem to congratulate him, noted that during the Organization’s recent General Assembly session in Guatemala City, the OAS member states had welcomed the Argentine government’s commitment to continuing to explore every possible avenue for a peaceful settlement of the dispute and for its constructive attitude towards the Malvinas Islands residents.

Under the terms of the accord signed in London, both governments agreed that Argentine nationals could visit the Malvinas Islands. They also fully supported immediate resumption of regular civil air services between Chile and the Islands with stop-overs in mainland Argentina—as of October 16, 1999. They said too that they were pleased at the possibility of flights between the Islands and third countries with the option of lay-overs in mainland Argentina, beginning the same time in October.

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