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OAS SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH WOMEN OF THE AMERICAS GROUP

  October 22, 2002

The Organization of American States (OAS) today signed a cooperation agreement with the Organization of Women of the Americas (OWA), to pursue joint activities of mutual interest.

Secretary General César Gaviria signed the documents along with OWA President Marta Espinoza de Ruiz-Cabañas, wife of the Mexican Ambassador to the OAS, stressing the value the OAS places on this agreement, which covers a broad range of activities that are important to both the OAS and the group of spouses of Ambassadors to the OAS.

The OWA President said that both the OAS and her Organization have undertaken to collaborate on issues and activities to protect and benefit the Hemisphere's women and children in particular, as well as to raise awareness about key causes. "These are some common goals of the OAS, so whenever there are common objectives, we will work together with the OAS."

Several of the OWA members were on hand for the signing.

The group's activities include an annual food festival that is a fundraiser for projects the group supports, including providing assistance to Washington-area associations catering to needy nationals of member countries. Mrs. Ruiz-Cabañas said the Organization of Women of the Americas is also considering book fairs and other efforts to raise funds to benefit its projects.

Reference: E-210/02