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SPANISH JUSTICE MINISTER DISCUSSES COOPERATION WITH OAS

  May 6, 2005

Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Spain’s Justice Minister, met today with the Acting Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luigi Einaudi, to discuss issues of mutual interest and potential areas for cooperation.

Spain and the OAS have agreed to collaborate on extrajudicial conflict resolution through arbitration and the training of lawyers and judges, as well as Spain’s interest in becoming party to a variety of inter-American treaties on criminal, civil and trade matters.

As the meeting also touched on the situation in Haiti, Einaudi reported on progress on the Caribbean country’s voter registration and civil registry process, saying this effort has been well-received by the Haitian people. He also asked for Spain’s continued presence and commitment to the stabilization initiatives in Haiti.

Referring to the fighting against terrorism, López Aguilar recounted his country’s painful experience combating this scourge, and noted that various government ministries—such as justice, defense, interior and public service—have joined forces in this common cause. He said international cooperation, especially with Europe, United States and OAS member countries, is vital to this endeavor.

Meanwhile, the OAS Permanent Council Chairman, Peru’s Ambassador Alberto Borea, asked the Minister for Spain’s support in organizing a terrorism and human rights seminar called for in a resolution from the OAS General Assembly session held in Quito, Ecuador, last year.

The Spanish minister was accompanied to the OAS by a contingent that included Ambassador Juan Manuel Romero de Terreros, Permanent Observer to the OAS. Senior OAS officials were also on hand.

Reference: E-094/05