CP/DEC. 45 (1742/10) 

SUPPORT FOR THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF CHILEIN THE WAKE OF THE DEVASTATING FEBRUARY 27, 2010 EARTHQUAKE 

(Adopted at the meeting of March 3, 2010)  

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,

DEEPLY SHOCKED by the enormity of the disaster triggered by the earthquake that struck Chile and caused significant loss of life and extensive damage to public and private infrastructure;  

TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION the constitutional measures adopted by President Michelle Bachelet to maintain public order and protect the citizenry;

RECALLING that at this stage of operation, the focus is on rescuing survivors, caring for victims, providing food, and restoring basic services; and

TAKING NOTE of the priority needs identified by the Government of Chile in terms of international aid,

DECLARES: 

1.      That it deeply regrets what happened and expresses its condolences to the Government and people of Chile. 

2.      That it resolutely supports the Government and people of Chile in their rescue and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the devastating effects of the earthquake. 

3.      That it takes note of the decision by the Secretary General to approve a contribution from the Inter-American Emergency Aid Fund. 

4.      That it endorses the solidarity expressed by the member states, permanent observers, organs of the inter-American system, civil society organizations, and the international community, as well as the offers of assistance to the people of Chile.