CP/RES. 853 (1387/03)

CENTENNIAL OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,

CONSIDERING that, on November 3, 2003, the Republic of Panama will celebrate the first centennial of its constitution as an independent and sovereign nation;

RECALLING:

That in 1956, under the auspices of the OAS, Panama City was the venue for the First Meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Hemisphere, which helped to promote cooperation and economic and social development in the Americas;

The Declaration of Washington, signed on September 7, 1977, by the heads of state, heads of government, and representatives of the American Republics, which recognizes the importance for the Hemisphere of arrangements “for ensuring the continuing accessibility and neutrality of the Panama Canal”;

That the Canal Treaties, which constituted a milestone in the development of inter-American relations, were signed at the headquarters of the Organization of American States;

The Consensus of Panama, adopted by the General Assembly at its twenty-sixth regular session, resolution AG/RES. 1376 (XXVI-O/96), “The Panama Canal in the 21st Century,” and resolution AG/RES. 1638 (XXIX-O/99), “The Panama Canal,” in which the efforts to ensure the effective transition of the inter-oceanic waterway are recognized;

That the Panamanian people have shown, throughout their history, a profound devotion to democracy and peace and a commitment to hemispheric solidarity; and

HAVING LISTENED to the presentation on the commemoration of the centennial of the Republic of Panama, made by Ambassador Juan Manuel Castulovich, Permanent Representative of Panama in the Permanent Council of the Organization,

RESOLVES:

1.     To express its satisfaction and congratulations to the people and the Government of Panama on the celebration of the first centennial of Panama’s constitution as an independent and sovereign nation.

2.     To underscore and recognize the effective contribution of the Republic of Panama to the political, economic, and social development of the Americas.