(E-082/01)
STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE OAS
ON THE SITUATION IN GUYANA
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Cesar Gaviria, is deeply concerned by the disturbances in Guyana following the March 19 elections, which the OAS observed and declared to be " orderly, peaceful and largely incident–free thereby creating the conditions for the free expression of the will of the people."
The Secretary General noted that citizens have a right to demonstrate peacefully and with due respect for the rule of law. Yesterday’s demonstrations resulting in injuries to several persons and substantial damages to sections of the commercial district in Georgetown are regrettable.
The Secretary General calls for calm and reiterates his conviction that political discourse characterized by mutual tolerance among all Guyanese is the most effective path to policies of inclusion.
Washington, D.C.
April 10, 2001
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