OAS SECRETARY GENERAL TO MEET WITH PERUVIAN PRESIDENT

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), César Gaviria, will travel to Peru on Monday, January 15, to discuss how the OAS can continue to support that country during its political transition.

"Since the General Assembly last June, the OAS has played a key role in bringing together representatives of diverse political and social groups in Peru to hold a meaningful dialogue on reform. Based on the changes in circumstances in the last two months, we need to explore how the OAS can best assist the country now," Gaviria said. "Peru needs the full support of the international community in the coming months, as it prepares to hold new presidential elections," he added.

Gaviria will be joined on the trip by Canadian Ambassador Peter Boehm, in representation of Canadian Foreign Minister John Manley. The OAS General Assembly, at Peru’s invitation, sent a high-level mission to Peru – made up of the Secretary General and the Chairman of the General Assembly, Canada’s then-Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy – to explore ways to help that country strengthen democracy.

Next week, Gaviria will meet with Peruvian President Valentín Paniagua, Foreign Minister Javier Pérez de Cuéllar and other government leaders, as well as with representatives of the dialogue process.

*********