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OAS NAMES MORRIS BUSBY TO COORDINATE ARMS SHIPMENT INVESTIGATION

  June 20, 2002

Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General César Gaviria announced Thursday the appointment of United States diplomat Morris D. Busby to coordinate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the export and delivery of a shipment of weapons and ammunition that originated in Nicaragua.

The Foreign Ministers of Nicaragua, Panama and Colombia wrote the Secretary General recently, asking that "the OAS assist our countries in investigating the matter, through the appropriate mechanisms."

The Ministers also asked for the findings and recommendations to be submitted to the three countries, within a reasonable time frame, "so as to accurately determine what took place and suggest ways to prevent similar situations in the future."

Morris Busby has held senior U.S. government positions, serving among other things, as Ambassador in Colombia, director of the counter-terrorism office and special envoy for Central America. During his lengthy diplomatic career, Busby has served under four presidents.

Reference: E-121/02