December 20, 2010 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR OF RUSSIA TO EXPLORE OPTIONS FOR COOPERATION

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) José Miguel Insulza, met today with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the United States and Permanent Observer to the hemispheric organization, Sergey I. Kislyak, to explore options for cooperation.

At the meeting, held at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, both representatives discussed the possibility of strengthening the exchange of information and best practices in electoral matters by establishing a system of cooperation between the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Russia and the OAS.

The Secretary General and Ambassador Kislyak also reviewed some of what are currently the most important issues for the Organization, including the elections in Haiti, the reincorporation of Honduras to the OAS, the bilateral relations between Member Countries and other issues such as: security, crime, inequality, migration and the rights of indigenous peoples.

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November 30, 2010 - KOREAN DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN VISITS OAS HEADQUARTERS   

Choo Jong Youn, Director General for the Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea, visited OAS Headquarters on November 30, 2010 and was received by Ambassador Alfonso Quiñonez, Secretary for External Relations of the OAS.

During their meeting, Mr. Choo and Ambassador Quiñonez discussed the situation in the region as well as various topics relating to Korean cooperation with the Organization and within the Americas, including support to technical programs, scholarships, training programs and the success of the OAS-Korea Internship Program, which was established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2009. The Korean official expressed his satisfaction with the growing relations between his country and the Organization, having been a Permanent Observer to the OAS since 1981, and affirmed his desire to see those relations further elaborated to include cooperation in the areas of climate change, sustainable development, human rights and human security. Korea also reiterated its support for the reconstruction efforts in Haiti, and the efforts of the Organization in strengthening democratic institutions within the country.

Ambassador Quiñonez thanked Mr. Choo for the continued partnership between the Organization and Korea, demonstrated through both the financial and in-kind support to the programs of the OAS, and expressed his hope to see these linkages further strengthened in the future.

 

November 16, 2010 - PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA PRESENTS CONTRIBUTIONS TO OAS PROGRAMS

The Government of the People’s Republic of China today presented two important contributions to programs of the Organization of American States (OAS) to support the work of the Press Department and the activities of the OAS in combating commercial sexual exploitation, and smuggling and trafficking in minors.

Communications equipment donated by China consisted of an in-kind donation of computer systems, televisions and monitors, and was accompanied by a cash contribution to purchase Fiber Optic cables for the OAS Main Building. The Chinese diplomatic delegation also made an important donation to support the Inter-American Children’s Institute’s (IIN) “Inter-American Programme for the Prevention and Eradication of Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and Smuggling of and Trafficking in Minors.” The total amount of the contributions was approximately $45,000, which is in addition to the $200,000 already disbursed this year by the Government of China through the China – OAS Cooperation Fund.

The Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, said he was “very thankful and honored by the generous support” from the Government of China that will “undoubtedly enhance the Organization’s capacity to more efficiently deliver information on our work to the public-at-large” and “advance the work of the IIN in coordinating regional policies to prevent and eliminate crimes against children.”

“You have been an important contributor to programs of peace and stability in the hemisphere,” the head of the OAS added. “The support we are receiving today yet again reinforces our shared commitment and conviction that your country appreciates the work we are doing and we are thankful for that.”

The Permanent Observer of the People’s Republic of China to the OAS, Ambassador Zhang Yesui, said the Government of China and the OAS continue “to work closely to explore ways to further expand exchanges in cooperation.”

“Today’s ceremony is a testament to our joint efforts,” said the Ambassador, who also reaffirmed “the commitment of the Chinese government to expand its friendship and cooperation with the OAS, an organization we see as the most important political institution in the Western Hemisphere.”

The ceremony was held in the Office of the Secretary General at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC.

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Remarks by Ambassador Zhang Yesui, Permanent Observer of China to the OAS
Remarks by José Miguel Insulza Secretary General of the OAS

October 27, 2010 - SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS WITH MEMBERS OF FRENCH PARLIAMENT IN PARIS  

In Paris, France on October 27, Secretary General Insulza and the Director of the Department of International Affairs, Dr. Irene Klinger, met with members of the French parliament to discuss issues of the inter-American agenda and inter-regional cooperation.

During this time, Secretary General Insulza answered questions on the current challenges and opportunities in the Americas, and particularly that of Haiti. The French authorities affirmed their commitment to the work of the Organization in helping with the reconstruction efforts in Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake in that country. In addition, France has expressed interest in working with the Organization to facilitate the modernization of the land rights infrastructure in Haiti, which will continue to be a major priority for the OAS in the coming years.

Having been a Permanent Observer to the OAS since 1972, France is a major partner to the Organization in areas including democracy, counter-narcotics, human development, freedom of expression and international law.

October 19, 2010 - MOROCCAN AMBASSADOR VISITS SECRETARY GENERAL INSULZA   

On October 19, the Permanent Observer of Morocco to the OAS, Ambassador Aziz Mekouar greeted OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza.

During the official visit, Ambassador Mekouar extended an invitation to Secretary General Insulza to participate in upcoming conference in Morocco. The two discussed topics relating Africa-OAS relations and Arab-OAS relations - a topic for which the Secretary General noted his interest in further exploring and strengthening. Given the two regions share many common issues, Ambassador Mekouar underscored his commitment to working with the OAS and other inter-regional organizations to tackle many of these challenges and welcomed the Secretary General's attention to advancing Arab-OAS relations.

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October 19, 2010 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL HOSTS PERMANENT OBSERVER OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE OAS 

OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza received a courtesy visit from the new Ambassador of the European Union to the OAS, His Excellency Joao Vale de Almeida.

The dialogue featured conversation on the challenges and priorities in the region, as well as on EU-OAS cooperation, which was recently formalized by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the European Commission and the General Secretariat in December 2009. Secretary General Insulza mentioned the EU and the OAS can increase their cooperation by means of coordination of electoral observation missions in the region, as well as projects on conflict prevention and human rights.

Ambassador Vale de Almeida reaffirmed the EU's commitment to working with the Organization and strengthening cooperation, highlighting the historical and cultural links between the two regions.

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September 28, 2010 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL RECEIVES DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR LATIN AMERICA OF THE RUSSIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS   

On September 28, 2010, OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza received the Director General for Latin America Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Ambassador Yuri P. Korchaguin.

During the meeting, the two discussed the involvement of Russia, and of Permanent Observers overall, in the activities of the Organization. Secretary General Insulza welcomed the more active participation of Russia in the programs of the OAS, noting that the cooperation of the Permanent Observers reaffirms the commitment of the international community to the work of the Organization. Ambassador Korchaguin informed Secretary General Insulza that Russia has a similar agenda as the OAS in the region and that they intend to work more closely with the Organization in the future, particularly with the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE) and in the area of electoral cooperation.

In closing, Insulza and Ambassador Korchaguin discussed the current priorities of the inter-American agenda, including reconstruction in Haiti and the return of Honduras to the OAS.

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September 15, 2010 - PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO BECOMES 65TH PERMANENT OBSERVER TO THE OAS

The Principality of Monaco became the 65th Permanent Observer of the OAS on September 15, 2010, when the Permanent Council approved its application during a meeting held at Organization headquarters in Washington, DC.

The Ambassador of Monaco to the United States and Canada, Gilles Noghes, expressed his gratitude in the name of the Government of Prince Albert II for the approval of the European country as a Permanent Observer, a status that was requested to the OAS through letter sent July 7, 2010.

The Principality “has for a long time expressed its desire to participate actively in international forums, as a way of expressing its conviction that global problems faced by all States, independently of their size, can only be solved in the multilateral framework,” the diplomat said.

Ambassador Noghes also stressed that “upon becoming a Permanent Observer, we have the opportunity to strengthen relationships with each and every country in the Americas.”

The Principality of Monaco is a city-state located on the brink of the Mediterranean Sea, south of France, and in addition to its Embassy in the United States and Canada, the country has diplomatic representation in 14 Member States of the Organization through Honorary Consuls.

Remarks by Ambassador Gilles Noghès, Permanent Observer to the OAS (French)
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Press Release

September 9, 2010 - THE GOVERNMENT OF AZERBAIJAN PROVIDES US$25,000 TO OAS PROGRAMS IN 2010

OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, received the Permanent Observer of Azerbaijan, Ambassador Yashar Aliyev at OAS Headquarters on September 9 for the presentation of a check for US$25,000 to three programs of the General Secretariat.

Of the total contribution, US$10,000 will be allocated to the OAS Peace Fund, established in 2000, to provide financial and technical resources to OAS Member States seeking the assistance of the Organization to resolve unforeseen crises resulting from a territorial dispute. Another US$10,000 will support the efforts of the Inter-American Institute of Children by making possible the strengthening of the Inter-American Program for the Prevention and Eradication of Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and Smuggling of and Trafficking in Minors (CSEC) as well as to advance the presence of the Institute in the region. The remaining US$5,000 will be provided to the Americas Magazine, which offers an inside look at the culture and life of the countries of the Americas to readers throughout the Hemisphere.

This is the first financial contribution of Azerbaijan to the Organization since becoming a Permanent Observer in 2001.

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July 29, 2010 - OAS MEMBER STATES AND PERMANENT OBSERVERS PLEDGE ASSISTANCE TO HAITI ELECTORAL OBSERVATION MISSION

Member States and Permanent Observer countries of the Organization of American States (OAS) made individual commitments this week during a meeting of the OAS Group of Friends of Haiti to assist the Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) that will accompany the Caribbean nation’s electoral process culminating in General Elections scheduled for November.

The United States and Spain made specific offers of financial assistance while other Member States and Permanent Observers pledged to support the effort through contributions in kind or financial resources towards covering its costs, which are an estimated $5.3 million.

The purpose of the EOM is to accompany the electoral process and help guarantee transparency in the elections by deploying more than 175 observers throughout the country to work with local observation teams on the day of the voting itself. Haitians expect to elect a president, 10 senators and 89 members of Congress beginning with a first round of voting scheduled for November 28.

The EOM is a joint effort by the OAS and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a first of its kind.

OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza highlighted the Organization’s continuing commitment of support to Haiti after the January 12 earthquake. “We are moving forward in a process of solidarity with Haiti,” he said. “In spite of the terrible tragedy suffered in January this year and of the clear situation of emergency in the country, Haitians have decided to hold elections, as every democracy should even in difficult times. And this is very important for us, and we think therefore that we have to support them at all costs.”

OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin, who also chairs the Group of Friends of Haiti, thanked the Organization’s Member States and Permanent Observer countries for their support, encouraged others to act swiftly and recalled the Haitian people’s courageous commitment to democracy.

“This Mission will be a long-term presence on the ground and will provide much-needed assistance to Haiti’s electoral process,” he said. “We saw during the last elections in Haiti the commitment of the people to democracy. I was there myself, I saw the long lines and I saw Haitians eager to exercise their right to vote. We would like to see a continuation of that process. This year’s elections are important not only in the context of creating the best environment for social and economic recovery but to see a continuation of the democratic process, a deepening and strengthening of that process.”

Ambassador Ramdin also said the OAS will provide the Haitian Office of National Identity with 850,000 national ID cards to facilitate the new registration process, beginning next week when a core EOM group is expected to be on the ground.

The OAS Group of Friends of Haiti will meet next during the third week of August.

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July 6, 2010 - THE NETHERLANDS AND OAS SIGN AGREEMENT FOR US$1.5 MILLION TO SUPPORT THE PEACE PROCESS IN COLOMBIA

On July 6, OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza received Her Excellency Reneé Jones-Bos, Ambassador of the Netherlands to the USA and Permanent Observer to the OAS, for the signing ceremony of an agreement between the Netherlands Minister for Development Cooperation and the OAS to support Colombian efforts at promoting peace in their country.  

Prior to the ceremony, Ambassador Jones-Bos and Secretary General Insulza dialogued on the situation in the Americas. Topics discussed include the recent general elections in Suriname, as well as the trip of Secretary General Insulza to Jamaica for the 31^st Meeting of Heads of Government of CARICOM where the reconstruction of Haiti was a primary topic.

The agreement signed provides an additional US$1.55 million contribution to the OAS Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia (MAPP/OEA). In her remarks, Ambassador Jones-Bos commended the various successes of the MAPP program, and noted how The Netherlands is a long-time supporter of the OAS initiative.  

Secretary General Insulza underscored the importance of the MAPP program for the promotion of peace and security in Colombia. As one of the most visible programs of the OAS, the MAPP has achieved significant progress in demobilizing paramilitary groups, has contributed to a strengthening of the country’s institutions and has supported the rehabilitation of thousands of victims. The success of the MAPP program, Insulza stated, is due in great part to the generous financial contributions of the Netherlands and other international donors. In fact, Secretary General Insulza highlighted how a report issued jointly by Sweden and the Netherlands on the MAPP in its initial stages helped to adjust the program, and facilitated continued support from international donors. 

The Netherlands, which became a Permanent Observer to the Organization in 1972, is a principle donor to programs of the OAS General Secretariat. The country contributes approximately US$1.2 million annually to OAS projects including the MAPP, the Inter-American Children’s Institute, OAS Electoral Observation Missions, sustainable development and gender equity, among others. The Netherlands also is an active donor to OAS programs at the Embassy-level in its Member States.

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June 6, 2010 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF SERBIA

On June 6, in the framework of the XL Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Vuk Jeremic, and Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the General Secretariat of the OAS and the Government of Serbia. The agreement, seeking to strengthen collaboration between the Permanent Observer country and the OAS, lays the framework for annual cooperation in the areas of democracy promotion - through OAS Electoral Observation Missions - and outreach programs.

Serbia has been a Permanent Observer to the OAS since 2002. This is their first agreement with the Organization, and have recently began providing financial support to OAS Electoral Observation Missions.

Memorandum of Understanding between the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States and the Government of the Republic of Serbia
Press Release

May 20, 2010 - SECRETARY GENERAL INSULZA MEETS WITH PERMANENT OBSERVER REPRESENTATIVES

On May 20, the Department of International Affairs organized a briefing and informational session between the Permanent Observers, OAS Secretary General Insulza and Assistant Secretary General Ramdin. More than 30 Permanent Observer representatives came to OAS Headquarters to dialogue with Secretary General Insulza and Assistant Secretary General Ramdin on the state of the region, including current issues on the inter-American agenda as well as on preparations for the upcoming XL Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly in Lima, Peru.

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May 17, 2010 - Strengthening Cooperation between the OAS and the Government of Israel

On May 17th, the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States and Israel’s National Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding at 11:30AM in the Gallery of Heroes at OAS Headquarters (17th and Constitution, NW). The objective of this MOU is to further formalize and create an institution-wide partnership on cooperation between the OAS and the Government of Israel for human development and capacity-building programs in Israel and OAS Member States. The partnership will extend to priority areas established by both sides including, integral development in areas such as early education, professional development, environment, economic and social development, employment and poverty reduction; gender equity including empowerment of women, gender mainstreaming and employment and entrepreneurship; disaster mitigation, disaster relief, sustainable agriculture, and management of natural resources; and, security in areas such as border control (airport, maritime and travel and document security), critical infrastructure protection, combating terrorism and its financing, crisis management and civil emergency planning. Secretary Insulza contended that through agreements like this, OAS Permanent Observer countries are demonstrating their continued dedication to our hemispheric objectives.

Talking points of the Secretary General
Talking points of Ambassador of Israel to the United States
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May 13, 2010 - SECRETARY GENERAL INSULZA MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR NAMIK TAN, PERMANENT OBSERVER OF TURKEY TO THE OAS

OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza received a courtesy visit on May 13, 2010 from the Permanent Observer of Turkey to the OAS, Ambassador Namik Tan. In his remarks, Ambassador Tan extended an invitation to visit Turkey during 2010 and noted that Turkey is intending to open a new Embassy in Colombia with the hope of further deepening relations between Turkey and the region. The Turkish Ambassador and Secretary General Insulza also discussed trade in the region, especially trade between Turkey and Latin America, including Brazil, Chile and Peru. Ambassador Tan reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean and listened as Secretary General Insulza provided an overview of the situation in Latin America. The visit concluded with Secretary General Insulza giving a summary of the events to occur during the XL Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly, including Permanent Observers’ role in the Dialogue on June 6, 2010. Turkey has been a Permanent Observer to the OAS since 2006 and provides financial contributions to programs in the areas of security and peace, as well as outreach and cultural initiatives.

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May 13, 2010 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL RECEIVES PERMANENT OBSERVER OF GREECE TO OAS, AMBASSADOR VASSILIS KASKARELIS

On May 13, OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza met with the Permanent Observer of Greece to the OAS, Ambassador Vassilis Kaskarelis, during a courtesy visit at OAS Headquarters. Ambassador Kaskarelis and Secretary General Insulza dialogued on the situation in the region, particularly the reconstruction efforts in Haiti and how both the OAS and Greece are contributing to the long-term development of that country. The two touched on important growth indicators in the region, as well as the current economic situation in Greece and its impact on the European economic system as a whole. Finally, Secretary General Insulza briefed Ambassador Kaskarelis on the upcoming XL Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly and the important role of Permanent Observers in the events preceding the Assembly, including the Dialogue with Permanent Observers on June 6, 2010. Greece has been a Permanent Observer to the OAS since 1979 and is a contributor to programs in multidimensional security, including prevention of gang violence and counter-narcotics activities.

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March 15, 2010 - SPAIN INCREASES COOPERATION WITH THE OAS

The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Spanish Government today signed the Annual Operating Plan for the Organization’s Spain Fund, an amount of 4 million Euros (approximately 5.5 million dollars) to support projects and activities of the OAS General Secretariat in the areas of promoting democracy, integral development and the strengthening of institutional and human resources capabilities.

The Plan was signed in Washington, DC, by the Ambassador of Spain’s Permanent Observer Mission to the OAS, Javier Sancho Velázquez, and the OAS Secretary General’s Chief of Staff, Ricardo Domínguez. This is the fourth time in as many years that Spain and the OAS sign an Annual Operating Plan, introducing today as one of its key features a new initiative to evaluate the implementation of projects.

The Spain Fund is supported by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID, in Spanish) of Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and represents part of the 9 million Euros (approximately 13 million dollars) in Spain’s total annual contributions to the OAS. Programming for the Fund is carried out jointly by Spain and the OAS.

“This Fund does not exhaust our political relationship or our financial support to the OAS, but the most significant part is that it structures a strategic partnership. To have a well organized fund owned jointly by Spain and the OAS is the best depiction of our relationship, a very good reflection of what we do together,” said Ambassador Sancho, who called the introduction of the evaluation initiative a sign that the Spain Fund at the OAS “is absolutely up to date with respect to modern technologies of cooperation.”

The Chief of Staff of the OAS Secretary General for his part remarked that “to the OAS the Fund also was a landmark, because it allowed us to begin to think about the funds of donor countries in a different way. This fund proved that it was possible to work in an organized and centralized way on setting priorities without thereby generating unnecessary bureaucracies.” He added: “The fund allows us to organize priorities and keep a competitive spirit in our projects. In the name of the Secretary General I want to say that the Organization is very proud of its relationship with Spain, and we hope that in the future we can multiply this model with others.”

February 25, 2010 - THE OAS SECRETARY GENERAL WELCOMES THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF SERBIA, VUK JEREMIC

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February 18, 2010 - OAS HOSTS AMBASSADOR OF INDIA TO THE UNITED STATES DURING OAS POLICY BREAKFAST

On February 18, the Department of International Affairs invited the Ambassador of India to the United States, and Permanent Observer to the OAS, Her Excellency Ambassador Meera Shankar, to host an Ambassador's Policy Breakfast with the Permanent Representatives of the OAS Member States. Ambassador Shankar spoke on India's foreign policy objectives and perspectives toward Latin America and the Caribbean, and addressed questions from the representatives of OAS Member States.

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Notes on the Policy Breakfast

February 4, 2010 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS WITH PERMANENT OBSERVER OF SLOVENIA

Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, received a courtesy visit from the Permanent Observer of Slovenia, Ambassador Roman Kirn. During the visit, the two discussed the role of the OAS in the region, including OAS efforts following the earthquake in Haiti, as well as enhancing Slovenia's participation in the inter-American system and in the OAS. Furthermore, Secretary General Insulza and Ambassador Kirn dialogued on the outcomes of the World Economic Forum, which was recently held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland at the end of January.

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January 8, 2010 - NEW PERMANENT OBSERVER OF FRANCE TO THE OAS PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

Ambassador Pierre-Henri Guignard of France today presented credentials to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, as his country’s new Permanent Observer to the Organization.

During the ceremony, which took place in the Secretary General’s office at OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C., the French diplomat said his country “shares the same values and vision of the countries of Latin America.”

The Secretary General recognized that the Government of France and its President Nicolas Sarkozy showed “interest in achieving a much stronger commitment with this organization” upon allocating to the OAS a representative “with knowledge and experience in the whole of the Americas such as Ambassador Guignard’s.”

The new Permanent Observer was Ambassador of France in Panama, Latin America advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France, and has played various diplomatic roles in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Peru.

Press Release
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