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OAS PERMANENT COUNCIL SAYS FAREWELL TO U.S. AMBASSADOR NORIEGA

Ambassador Roger Noriega today delivered his last address to the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council in his capacity as the United States Permanent Representative, after the member states’ envoys offered glowing tributes for his contribution to the hemispheric forum. The Permanent Council also congratulated Noriega on his appointment as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.

Permanent Council Chairman Ambassador Raymond Valcin of Haiti lauded the U.S. Ambassador’s professional approach to defending the position of his government and for his keen interest in advancing the interests of the peoples of the Americas.

Secretary General César Gaviria emphasized the American diplomat’s “singular dedication” to the hemispheric agenda, and his work to advance OAS efforts to promote democracy. Gaviria also made reference to Noriega’s contribution in securing an expanded role for the Organization in the Summit of the Americas process.

Speaking on behalf of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) countries, Uruguay’s Ambassador Juan Enrique Fischer reflected on Noriega’s role in moving forward the negotiations on the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which was adopted September 11, 2001. He noted as well how Ambassador Noriega exercised “political prudence” as a diplomat and showed respect for positions he did not share.

Meanwhile, Honduran Ambassador Salvador Rodezno, representing the Central American Group of countries, highlighted the outgoing Ambassador’s vision and his contribution to the promotion of human rights around the Americas, noting the important ally he has been in this regard.

Canada’s Ambassador, Paul Durand, spoke about the dignity and courtesy with which Noriega defended U.S. position before the hemispheric body. Recalling Noriega’s own commitments at the outset—to make every effort to help move the OAS forward—Durand said: “Ambassador Noriega has delivered on his promise one hundred per cent.”

Speaking for the Caribbean Community countries, Ambassador Odeen Ishmael of Guyana hailed Noriega as a determined and tough negotiator, but one who was willing to work for compromise. He cited this as an “excellent quality any diplomat should possess.”

Stressing how his government values the OAS, Ambassador Noriega praised the member states for contributing to such important accomplishments as the revived Inter-American Committee against Terrorism and the invoking of the Inter-American Treaty of Mutual Assistance of, the “road map” resolutions to help to deal with crises in Haiti and Venezuela, a strengthened Unit for the Promotion of Democracy and the capitalization of the Peace Fund, during his tour of duty.

Noriega also hailed the effective way in which “multilateral diplomacy works at the OAS.” He identified consensus and the sovereign equality of states as two important cornerstone principles that have worked effectively for the body of Western Hemisphere nations, and reiterated his view that the Organization’s work must be measured not by how many wealthy people it creates but by how much is done to improve the lives of the poorest and least fortunate.

“This consensus will unlock the door to countless future successes for the OAS and in the Summit process,” Noriega stated. “It will enable us to think regionally and act multilaterally to solve problems and benefit all of our citizens.”

Reference: E-169/03