NICARAGUA'S NEW ENVOY REASSURES OAS OF COMMITMENT

In his maiden address to the Organization of American States Permanent Council on Thursday, Nicaragua's new Permanent Representative, Lombardo Martínez, reassured the OAS of the commitment of President Arnoldo Alemán's administration to the hemispheric Organization's goals and objectives.

The Ambassador said his country was undergoing a process of deep transformation, which involves "dismantling structural obstacles dating back to the colonial era and to bring this to bear on the culture and hence overall development for our peoples."

Touching on the process of globalization that has been reshaping relations among nations, Ambassador Martínez said "we are now seeing unprecedented opportunities to realize the dreams of our forefathers and to use our wealth potential for sustainable human development, with equal access to producer and consumer goods."

He also challenged the OAS to continue its hemispheric role as engine and facilitator of a new approach to security for the states of the region.

Ambassador Martínez served as a deputy in Nicaragua's National Assembly, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and Minister of Health before taking up this new assignment.

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