December 17, 2012 - OAS AND EUROPEAN UNION SIGN AGREEMENT TO SUPPORT THE PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF THE BELIZE-GUATEMALA TERRITORIAL DIFFERENDUM

The Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union today signed an agreement to support the Peace Fund project, Implementation of Confidence Building Measures in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala, managed by the hemispheric organization.

The Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, highlighted that “this is a very important occasion for us, given that we’ve been working on this for a long time, with a very fruitful cooperation from both governments.” The Secretary General recalled that Belize and Guatemala agree on “the notion that this had to be solved in a peaceful manner,” and therefore decided to go to the International Court of Justice. That decision by the governments must be ratified by a simultaneous referendum in the two countries, to take place on October 6, 2013.

”In those months, we have to maintain our mission in the adjacency zone,” added the leader of the OAS, “and at the same time the governments have the task of informing and convincing their peoples of the merits of this referendum.” “All this implies costs,” concluded Secretary General Insulza, “and the contribution of the European Union has been key in this sense.”

For his part the Permanent Observer of the European Union to the OAS, Joao Vale de Almeida, said “there is no better way to resolve conflicts than through a peaceful process and we want to support that.” He explained that “our contribution of roughly 2 million Euros, or 2.5 million dollars, goes in two directions: first, to support the confidence building measures in the adjacency zone; and second, to support information campaigns in order to enhance the level of awareness and information of the populations about this peaceful track toward a resolution.”

The European Union, continued Ambassador Vale de Almeida, sees in the process “the potential for this peaceful settlement to help the economies, trade and cooperation in both countries; but also a way to enhance security and development in the region and the well-being of its populations, in particular the settlers in the adjacency zone.”

Present at the signing ceremony were the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Albert Ramdin; the Permanent Representative of Belize, Nestor Mendez; the Permanent Representative of Guatemala, José Rodrigo Vielmann de León; representatives of Member States and Observers, and other high authorities of the organization.

The OAS provides technical and political assistance with regard to the differendum between Belize and Guatemala by facilitating the negotiations taking place under the “Agreement on a Framework for Negotiations and Confidence-Building Measures” signed by the Governments of Belize and Guatemala in September 2005. Likewise, the OAS General Secretariat’s Office in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala conducts verifications and activities in support of a number of government institutions. Several projects are also under way to foster development and integration of the communities in the Adjacency Zone, along with community resettlement projects.

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The Organization of American States (OAS) and the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands today signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas of common interest related to multidimensional security.

The Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, highlighted the changing nature of the threats to security in the region, which, he recalled “were well defined in our conference on security in Mexico in 2003, and ever since we have been trying to increase and strengthen as much as possible the work we do in matters of public security, which is a major threat to democracy.”

The OAS leader recalled that the Netherlands has been a Permanent Observer to the OAS since 1972, and has made invaluable contributions to several programs including the Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia (MAPP-OEA) and the Inter-American Program of Judicial Facilitators. “The contribution of your country makes it one of the most relevant donors to the organization”, said Secretary General Insulza. “When we have engaged in working on something, we have worked together very well and very successfully and seriously and I am sure the same will happen with this Memo of Understanding.”

Representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Arthur Dowers noted that “the security threats we face today are different from those we faced many years ago”. Minister Dowers said the Netherlands understands now better than ever that “the safety and security of each and every nation is guaranteed only if each and every democratic country that is willing and especially able” to contribute to multilateral security efforts, does so. 

Also present at the signing ceremony were the deputy chief of mission for the Royal Netherlands Embassy in the United States, Peter Mollema; the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Ambassador Albert Ramdin; The Secretary for External Relations of the OAS, Alfonso Quiñonez; and the Permanent Representatives of Nicaragua and Canada to the OAS, among others.

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The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of France, Christiane Taubira, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the participation of the European country in the Hemispheric Information Exchange Network for Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters and Extradition.

The Network began in 2000, when the Third Meeting of Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General of the Americas (REMJA III) decided to increase and improve the exchange of information between OAS Member States in the area of ​​mutual assistance in criminal matters. 

"The relationship between Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean to this day is still very strong in terms of exchanges. Sometimes that generates a series of legal problems that we have to be able to solve, and that is why I believe that the issue of judicial cooperation is very important to us, and hopefully we can activate it through this agreement we have signed," said the Secretary General of the OAS, who celebrated the signing because it will help solve "one of the complex problems we have in Latin America, which is the absence of quick mechanisms of cooperation.” 

Also, the leader of the OAS said that "with the linkage to the French Ministry of Justice, the Network on Criminal Matters of REMJA expands its borders to continue to support the strengthening of legal cooperation and the exchange of information of American States with a country that, in addition to being a Permanent Observer of our organization is also a strategic partner in many aspects of the agenda of our countries." 

For her part, Minister Taubira said for her country "judicial cooperation is extremely important," and emphasized the need to ensure that the flow of information that this agreement will allow serves to deal with issues relating to people who have committed crimes on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

The signing took place within the framework of the Ninth Meeting of Ministers of Justice or Other Ministers or Attorneys General of the Americas (REMJA IX). France has participated in the OAS as an observer country since September 1972.

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today congratulated the European Union for being honored with the Nobel Peace Prize "for its efforts to unite the states of Europe, putting aside differences and forging a continent of peace and prosperity."

In a letter to the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso and the President of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy, the OAS Secretary General said "this recognition is the victory of democracy and human rights in the world; it is a Prize not just for a project representing the common interest, but a memorable day for all of us who work for and value freedom, equality and respect for human dignity," he added.

Secretary General Insulza recalled that the OAS shares with the European Union "the pillars of upholding the principles of democracy” and “seeks to strengthen human rights, security and development in the hemisphere.” “Our work together will strengthen transnational dialogue for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the Americas and the European Union," the letter concluded.

The European Union has been a Permanent Observer to the OAS since November 18, 1989, and works with the hemispheric institution providing technical and financial support to numerous projects, especially those relating to the strengthening of democracy and the promotion and defense of human rights.

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) today held a ceremonial session to commemorate 520 years of the "Discovery of America: Encounter of Two Worlds."

The Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, said that "the encounter of human beings was one of the most transcendent events in the history of humanity." He added that "we can hold different opinions about what happened next, some even say it was a bad thing, but I believe that this encounter was inevitable and was going to happen sooner or later. It happened that day and the protagonist was Spain, which celebrates its National Day on October 12.”

The leader of the hemispheric organization added that "since five centuries ago we have argued about and reflected on what happened, but in the end we all feel part of the same America, that is in the first place mestizo, then African-American, then indigenous, then a product of mixtures and links between one reality and another and of later European migrations as well as migrations from the Middle East and Asia." "This convergence could not be easy, it was difficult and painful, but from it emerged a continent to which we are very proud to belong and whose birth we all celebrate today," he concluded.

Ambassador Roberto Saladin, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic, speaking on behalf of the Central American Integration System (SICA), said that "more than the encounter of two worlds it was the encounter of two cultures, because it was the island Hispaniola from which the great expeditions for the exploration of North, Central and South America departed." Ambassador Saladin recalled that "the magnitude of the undertaking led by Spain opened the doors to so many episodes of grandeur and tragedy, as well as the disappearance of some indigenous peoples, that it is nearly impossible, 520 years later, to recognize or deny the grandeur of this epic in the history of humanity."

Ambassador Sonia Johnny, Permanent Representative of Saint Lucia, who spoke on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), called the Encounter of Two Worlds "a historic fact that is inextricably linked to first European to set foot in the Americas in 1492.” “However, there are two sides in this encounter, Columbus’ unfortunate response to the New World was to conquer and control, a policy that caused huge problems in indigenous communities," said Ambassador Johnny referring to the "dark side of the encounter." "However,” she added, “there was also a bright side, for the European arrival led to what has been dubbed the Columbian exchange – an exchange described by its authors as a global swap of animals, plants, people ailments and ideas that had a profound impact on Europe, Africa and the Americas. This to some was the big step to globalization."

Allan Culham Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Canada, spoke in his address of "the revolution in human knowledge” that “was sparked by Columbus’s voyage across the Atlantic,” and provoked changes in “the science and the art of map making." “Prior to 1492, the conventional wisdom of mariners, academics, theologians and map makers was the world was flat,” Culham said. “The voyage of Columbus dispelled this myth and opened up a whole new area of ​​inquiry for the human mind,” Culham added, citing especially the map produced in 1507 by Martin Waldseemüller in France. "This map contained the first known use of the word America to describe the continent to which Columbus had arrived," he added.

Ambassador Jorge Alban, Permanent Representative of Peru, on behalf of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), held that "the meeting of two worlds is one of the turning points in the history of mankind, because it opened the way to the integration of two connected cultural networks." "We are in large part the product of this interbreeding between native America with its collective sense, cohesion and identification with nature and the worldview that this suggests, and the West, with its idea of material progress and the application of technology as a tool to overcome and put the natural environment at the service of man and society," added Ambassador Alban.

Ambassador Jorge Hevia Sierra, Permanent Observer of Spain, said "on October 12 we celebrate the meeting of two worlds and the arrival to American soil of the ships of Christopher Columbus on an undertaking financed by Queen Isabella and her husband King Ferdinand." "It is certainly Spain's great contribution to universal history," he said. "It was a moment when the world map acquired practically the contours it has today. It is in those years when a vast process of cultural mixing and blending of races and cultures begins, which over the centuries would lead to the creation of a new reality called Latin America." Which is why, said the Spanish diplomat, "the great Simon Bolivar said clearly, 'We're a kind of microcosm of the human race', referring to the origins and components of the Latin American population".

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The Permanent Observer Mission of Italy to the Organization of American States (OAS), together with the National Italian-American Foundation today donated a bust of the Florentine navigator and cartographer, Amerigo Vespucci, a work by the American artist Greg Wyatt.

During the ceremony, the Permanent Observer of Italy, Ambassador Sebastiano Fulci, said the donation is an "homage to the five hundredth anniversary of the death of the Italian navigator" who gave his name to the continent, and is part of the celebration of "the discovery of America," to be commemorated tomorrow, October 12.

Present at the ceremony, held in the Hall of the Americas at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, were the Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, the Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Albert Ramdin, and the Chair of the Permanent Council and Permanent Representative of Mexico, Ambassador Joel Antonio Hernández García, among others.

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October 3, 2012 - OAS PERMANENT COUNCIL APPLAUDS THE WORK OF JUDICIAL FACILITATORS

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) applauded today, at its regular meeting the Inter-American Program of Judicial Facilitators (PIFJ for its initials in Spanish), for the impact it has had in bringing "justice closer to the citizens" of the region, through an interesting exercise of judicial mediation.

Starting with a video presentation on the role of the facilitators produced by the program, the representatives of the Member States and the Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, talked about the successes of the project managed by the OAS Secretariat for Legal Affairs that is intended to enhance access to justice for citizens who live in some of the most isolated rural areas of the Americas.

Secretary General Insulza emphasized the great impact the program has had since its inception in 2007, and underlined "the importance of this work in strengthening our institutions and the strengthening of the rule of law." He added that "important sectors who did not have access to justice, today are able to resolve a great number of situations and conflicts without going to court and, if it is necessary, have the information they need to successfully conclude the process," he added.

The Secretary General highlighted in particular the generation of greater confidence in the judiciary shown in the six countries where the program operates, as well as the easing of congestion in local courts, the new appreciation of the role of judges and the general improvement in citizens' access to justice. "We can also highlight conflict reduction and considerable savings for users, and for the judicial system," he added.

The leader of the hemispheric organization recalled the support for the PIFJ given by the last OAS General Assembly, which approved a resolution that "mandates the OAS to continue its support to Member States that request the establishment of national systems of facilitators."

The Secretary General concluded by saying that "the facilitators have brought justice closer to citizens, strengthening our democratic institutions based on the inclusive and effective rule of law.” He added that "our work is precisely this, institution building, but above all the exercise and consolidation of democracy."

During the meeting, the Council also heard presentations on three specific cases of the positive effects of the implementation of the Judicial Facilitators Program in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama.

The President of the Supreme Court of Guatemala, Thelma Esperanza Hernandez Aldana, informed the Council that "Throughout this year, the position of the judicial facilitator has been implemented in 75 municipalities in 13 departments of the 22 that make up the Republic. This implementation represents progress in the application of preventive justice.” “We have adopted the National Judicial Facilitators Service because we firmly believe that preventive justice is more beneficial for the people than the judgment of a conflict," she continued.

Marvin Aguilar Garcia, Deputy Presiding Judge of the Supreme Court of Nicaragua, reported that in the courts of his country "the judicial facilitator is recognized as an assistant in the administration of justice, as it is stated in the law." "Access to justice is a fundamental human right that is strengthened by the service performed by judicial facilitators," he added. By emphasizing his country's commitment to the concept of the facilitators, he said that "the most important thing is the degree of availability of judicial facilitators and the free service they provide to the community."

Meanwhile, Hernán De León Batista, Justice of the Supreme Court of Panama, said that, with the help of the OAS and following the example of Nicaragua, "currently we have 668 facilitators in 40 municipal districts and in seven of the nine provinces that make up the Republic of Panama, which is half of the national territory.” He further reported that facilitators are community leaders selected by their communities, which in his opinion has a "double benefit": "It is not only what is said and how it is said, but also who says it. The information comes from a moral authority among his people, a person worthy of trust and respect. "

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The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, traveled to New York to participate in 67th Regular Meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations. In this context, the OAS leader will hold meetings with leaders and foreign ministers of the countries of the Americas and other continents. 

This morning, Insulza met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain, José Manuel García Margallo, with whom he discussed the main issues on the regional and global agenda, international cooperation and relations between the OAS and Spain, which is a Permanent Observer to the hemispheric organization.

Secretary General Insulza, in addition to participating in other events related to the UN General Assembly, will be present at a meeting on Citizen Security in Central America, at a meeting with the Group of Friends of Haiti, and will make a presentation on the Inter-American System of Human Rights at the New York City Bar Association.

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The Secretary General of the Organization of American States, José Miguel Insulza, today met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Uri Rosenthal, in New York, where the head of the hemispheric organization is taking part in the 67th Regular Meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Secretary General Insulza highlighted the cooperation of the Netherlands in the OAS program of Judicial Facilitators, as well as the Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia (MAPP/OAS) and the promotion and protection of human rights in the Americas. The two also discussed the security environment in the region.

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September 21, 2012 - NORWAY DONATES $600,000 FOR OAS DEMINING PROGRAM

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today received the Permanent Observer of Norway to the OAS, Ambassador Wegger Christian Strommen, who presented him with a contribution of $600,000 to support the program “Ecuador - Peru Humanitarian Demining in the Cordillera del Condor Region.”

The chief representative of the hemispheric organization thanked the Ambassador for the donation and noted that Norway has been a Permanent Observer to the OAS since 2000, "but its commitment to the Americas and to OAS programs began much earlier, with contributions of more than $12 million to the OAS program for Comprehensive Action against Antipersonnel Mines (AICMA)," developed by the organization.

Insulza noted that the country has been one of the “most important and consistent donors to this program and its support was vital to the successful completion of all demining operations in Central America, marked by the completion of the program in Nicaragua in 2010." Secretary Insulza added that, in Ecuador and Peru, “Norway has made significant contributions since 2008 that have allowed both governments to make huge advances in the speed and efficiency of their demining efforts.” The new contribution will help both countries to continue “to assume greater ownership and control over their demining programs” that are expected to be concluded in 2017.

"The active participation of our Permanent Observers reminds us daily of the importance of the work that we do and of our links to the rest of the world," concluded the Secretary General.

The donation will be channeled through AICMA and is intended to provide assistance to the governments of Peru and Ecuador in humanitarian demining plans. It will also support the implementation of measures to reduce mine accidents. The Peruvian Center for Action against Antipersonnel Mines, CONTRAMINAS, will be responsible for overseeing education campaigns against landmines in the Amazonas department for affected communities, while the National Demining Center of Ecuador, CENDESMI, will coordinate prevention education in communities affected by mines in that country.

Present at the meeting held in the office of the Secretary General in the city of Washington DC, were the Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the OAS, Ambassador María Isabel Salvador, the Permanent Representative of Peru, Ambassador Jorge Alban Walter Peralta, the OAS Secretary of External Relations, Ambassador Alfonso Quiñonez, and the Director of the Department of International Affairs, Jorge Sanín.

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September 21, 2012 - NEW OAS PERMANENT OBSERVER FROM THE NETHERLANDS PRESENTS HIS CREDENTIALS

The Ambassador of the Netherlands to the White House, Rudolf Bekink, today delivered to the Secretary General of the Organization of the American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, the letter that accredits him as the new Permanent Observer of his country to the hemispheric body.

During the meeting, the Secretary General thanked Ambassador Bekink for the constant support that the Netherlands gives to the OAS, noting that, with their most recent contribution to the Program of Judicial Facilitators, Holland has “become the most important country” in terms of donations directed to this program. 

For his part, the diplomat expressed the interest of his country in further expanding its support for the OAS; an organization with which it shares “common values such as the strengthening of democracy and respect for human rights.”

The Secretary of External Relations of the OAS, Ambassador Alfonso Quiñonez and the Director of International Affairs, Jorge Sanín, were present at the meeting, which took place in the Secretary General’s office in Washington, DC.

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The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today received the Secretary General of Health of Spain, Pilar Farjas, in his office in Washington D.C.

During the meeting, the two discussed the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) 28th Pan American Sanitary Conference, which is being held this week in the city. The Spanish official highlighted the support Spain gives to the programs of PAHO, a health agency that forms part of the Inter American System. She also mentioned her interest in “strengthening bilateral ties with the countries of the Americas”. 

Secretary General Insulza thanked Spain for its support to the regional health organization and emphasized “the great job” that PAHO “has been doing since its creation.” He also announced projects dealing with consumption that the organization he directs is working on with its Member Countries.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Observer of Spain to the OAS, Ambassador Jorge Hevia, and the OAS Director of the Department of Social Development and Employment, Ana Evelyn Jacsir de Lovo.

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The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, on the International Day of Democracy, invited the governments and peoples of the hemisphere to renew the challenge to strengthen, promote and fight for the effectiveness and development of democracy. “Our countries have learned with great pain the value of respect for freedom, tolerance and pluralism, and never in history has a democratic period been so solid and permanent, as in the past two decades," said Insulza. “It's always time to build, rebuild or improve up democracy, and those of us who believe in democracy know that its care is everyone's job every single day,” he added.

The Secretary General said that “while there is still a long way to go in terms of the protection and defense of human rights and the strengthening of the rule of law in the region, the position and action of the states has changed dramatically compared to past decades.” He recalled, in this regard, the fundamental contribution of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, an instrument that has been in force for 11 years and has become a cornerstone of the Inter-American system, in relation to the defense and collective protection of democracy in the hemisphere.

Insulza reiterated that the OAS “will always be open, committed and interested in sharing its advances in promoting democracy with other regional and intergovernmental organizations,” and called on Member States of the hemispheric organization to “share their pathways and experiences in the defense of democracy, to continue building and strengthening the democratic system.”

The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela today informed the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, through an official letter, that it is denouncing the American Convention on Human Rights.

According to the Convention, in its Article 78: “1. The States Parties may denounce this Convention (…) by means of notice given one year in advance. Notice of the denunciation shall be addressed to the Secretary General of the Organization, who shall inform the other States Parties. 2. Such a denunciation shall not have the effect of releasing the State Party concerned from the obligations contained in this Convention with respect to any act that may constitute a violation of those obligations and that has been taken by that state prior to the effective date of denunciation.”

The OAS Secretary General regrets the decision taken by the government of Venezuela to denounce this legal instrument, one of the pillars of the legal regulations that protect the defense of human rights in the hemisphere.

The Secretary General expressed his hope that in the year that must elapse before the decision becomes effective, as established by Art.78, the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela may reconsider its decision.

Foreign Minister of Ecuador Highlights Role of OAS

The Foreign Ministers of the Organization of American States (OAS) today approved by acclamation a resolution supporting the inviolability of diplomatic premises, in accordance with the provisions of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, in the context of the situation between Ecuador and the United Kingdom.

"It was a very positive meeting, with a successful outcome: no one was excluded, everyone spoke -including the representative of the United Kingdom-, there were disagreements, but in the end between us we put together a satisfactory agreement," said the Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza. "It showed that the OAS is the foremost hemispheric forum and I think we can all be happy about that," added Secretary General Insulza, who thanked the Foreign Ministers and heads of delegation for their presence at a meeting of "the utmost importance for us.”

For his part the Foreign Minister of Ecuador, Ricardo Patiño, at the conclusion of the meeting, said that “the OAS has demonstrated its important role,” because “an issue of enormous importance for our countries was resolved. It was decided that the rules of international law are still valid, even though some countries are willing to threaten others with violating them.” In a press conference following the meeting of Foreign Ministers, Patiño said that “we feel strengthened by the decision of the OAS, we are sure that the United Kingdom will not carry out its threat.”

"Here it became clear that might does not make right, and that the world is not a jungle, that today's world should be governed by the rules of civilized coexistence, should abide by the rules of international law, and the principles that govern the life of nations. This is a very important victory, above all for Ecuador, because it has expressed solidarity and support for our people and our government, so on behalf of that people and their government I want to thank the representatives of the countries of the Americas,” added Foreign Minister Patiño.

The Chair of the Meeting and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Rafael Roncagliolo said that the countries of the Americas “have reaffirmed our commitment to international law, our ability to express support for a country when threatened and our capacity for dialogue.” “I am pleased to announce with great satisfaction that this meeting of Foreign Ministers of the OAS has strengthened the solidarity between our countries and also fortified the solidity of the organization," added the Peruvian Minister.

The six-point resolution was adopted at a meeting in which the Foreign Ministers of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Haiti, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela spoke, as well as the heads of delegation of Panama, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, El Salvador, the United States, Grenada, Costa Rica, Dominica, Canada, Suriname, Bolivia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Guatemala, Brazil, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda, in addition to the delegates from the United Kingdom and Sweden, in their capacity as Permanent Observers.

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The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today received Archbishop Francis A. Chullikatt, Apostolic Nuncio, who presented his credentials as Permanent Observer to the hemispheric organization. 

Secretary General Insulza and Archbishop Chullikatt - who is also the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations (UN) - discussed the political situation in the hemisphere, where three of the nations with the largest number of Catholics in the world are found: Brazil, Mexico and the United States.

The OAS Secretary of External Relations, Alfonso Quiñonez, and the OAS Director of the Department of International Affairs, Jorge Sanin, took part in the meeting, held at the organization's headquarters in Washington, DC.

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August 17, 2012 - RESOLUTION

NOTICE OF CONVOCATION OF THE MEETING OF CONSULTATION OF MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION BETWEEN ECUADOR AND THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND REGARDING THE INVIOLABILITY OF THE DIPLOMATIC PREMISES OF ECUADOR IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW (Presented by the delegation of Ecuador)

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES, CONSIDERING the request made by the Government of the Republic of Ecuador to the Permanent Council to convene a Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs within the framework of the Charter of the Organization of American States; 

RESOLVES:
To convene a Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs at the headquarters of the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C., at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 24, 2012, in order:
1. To address the situation between Ecuador and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland regarding the inviolability of the diplomatic premises of Ecuador in the United Kingdom Great Britain and Northern Ireland in accordance with international law, and
2. To agree on appropriate measures to be adopted.

August 17, 2012 - OAS PERMANENT COUNCIL CONVENES MEETING OF FOREIGN MINISTERS ON THE SITUATION BETWEEN ECUADOR AND THE UNITED KINGDOM

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) today decided to convene a meeting of Foreign Ministers to discuss the situation between Ecuador and the United Kingdom. The resolution, adopted with 23 votes in favor, 3 against, 5 abstentions and 3 absent, convenes the Foreign Ministers of the OAS Member States to meet on Friday, August 24 at 11:00 EDT (15:00 GMT) at the headquarters of the organization in Washington, DC.

The purpose of the meeting will be to "address the situation between Ecuador and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland regarding the inviolability of the diplomatic premises of Ecuador in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in accordance with international law, and to agree on appropriate measures to be adopted."

The Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, stressed to the Council that the resolution approved focuses on "the problem posed by the threat or warning made to Ecuador by the possibility of an intervention into its embassy in London.” “The central issue is not the right of asylum, is the inviolability of embassies," said Secretary General Insulza, who recalled that last year the United Nations Security Council ruled "very strictly on the absolute immunity that diplomatic missions must have in all the countries of the world."

“What is being proposed is that the Foreign Ministers of our organization address this subject and not the subject of asylum nor whether it should be granted to Mr. Julian Assange. That will be discussed between Great Britain and Ecuador, the issue that concerns us is the inviolability of diplomatic missions of all members of this organization, something that is of interest to all of us," said the OAS Secretary General.

The resolution adopted was presented in its original version by the Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the OAS, María Isabel Salvador, who requested the convening of a meeting of OAS Foreign Ministers after her government received a written communication from the United Kingdom warning the government in Quito, she said, that it "should be aware that there is a legal basis in the United Kingdom, the Diplomatic and Consular Premises Act of 1987, which would allow us to take action to arrest Mr. Assange in the existing facilities of the embassy." The South American country yesterday granted diplomatic asylum to Assange, an Australian citizen, who has been in the embassy of Ecuador in London since June 19, 2012.

During the Council meeting, the Representatives of Ecuador, Argentina, Dominica (on behalf of CARICOM), the United States, Panama, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Uruguay, Venezuela, Guatemala, El Salvador, Peru, Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Canada, Paraguay, Chile and Costa Rica all spoke, as well as the Observers to the OAS from the United Kingdom and Sweden.

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July 20, 2012 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL RECEIVES NEW IACHR EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, this morning received the new Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights (IACHR), Emilio Álvarez Icaza, at the headquarters of the organization in Washington, DC.

During the meeting, the two discussed the current issues in the region. Also present was the Chief of Staff of the Secretary General, Ambassador Hugo de Zela.

Secretary General Insulza designated Álvarez Icaza for the office on Thursday, pursuant to the powers granted to him by Article 40 of the American Convention on Human Rights and Article 21, paragraph 3 of the Statute of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

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July 17, 2012 - SECRETARY GENERAL INSULZA RECEIVES AMBASSADOR OLEXANDER MOTSYK, PERMANENT OBSERVER OF UKRAINE TO THE OAS

Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, received a courtesy visit from the Permanent Observer of Ukraine to the OAS, Ambassador Olexander Motsyk, on July 17. During the discussion, the two exchanged views on the region and on Ukraine's diplomatic presence in the Americas.

Ukraine reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the work of the OAS and in following the efforts of the Organization in promoting democracy and human rights in the Hemisphere.

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June 5, 2012 - HISTORY MADE: ARGENTINE FOREIGN MINISTER AND BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE AMERICAS SHAKE HANDS AT OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN COCHABAMBA

In an historic act, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship of Argentina, Héctor Timerman, today shook hands with the acting Director for the Americas of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Fiona Clouder, during the fourth plenary session of the forty-second regular session of the OAS General Assembly in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

The greeting between the diplomatic representatives of Argentina and the United Kingdom was seen as making history, coming as it did thirty years after the conflict between the two countries over the Malvinas Islands.

After setting out their respective positions on the dispute, the representatives of the two countries greeted each other, the first time that this had happened in an international forum.

June 4, 2012 - SECRETARY GENERAL INSULZA M EETS WITH SPAIN'S SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today met with the Secretary of State for International Cooperation of the government of Spain, Jesús Gracia Aldaz, at the hemispheric body's 42nd General Assembly in the city of Cochabamba.

During their meeting they discussed current concerns in the Hemisphere, particularly the topics on the General Assembly's agenda, including the event's main theme, "Food Security with Sovereignty." They also spoke about Spain's relations with the nations of the Americas.

Secretary of State Gracia Aldaz was accompanied at the meeting by Spain's Permanent Observer to the OAS, Jorge Hevia, and by his Chief of Staff, Rafael Reig Sánchez Tembleque. Secretary General Insulza was accompanied by the OAS's Secretary of External Relations, Alfonso Quiñónez, and by the Director of its Department of International Affairs, Jorge Sanín.

June 3, 2012 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL AND BOLIVIAN FOREIGN MINISTER HOST LUNCHEON FOR HEADS OF DELEGATION AND PERMANENT OBSERVERS

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza; the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia, David Choquehuanca; and the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Ambassador Albert Ramdin, today hosted a luncheon for the heads of delegation of member states and observer countries accredited with the hemispheric organization.

The Secretary General recalled that the entity that he heads was the first to introduce the status of permanent observer, “with the result that, today, 67 countries can take part in the day-to-day activities of the Organization, despite not being part of the Americas.” He said that this link allows them “to keep abreast of developments in the region, exchange ideas with member states, establish close cooperation ties, and look for shared solutions to challenges on the global and hemispheric agenda.”

Foreign Minister Choquehuanca, for his part, invited those present to hold “forums for reflection” and to develop “proposals founded on consensus” that would be of direct benefit to the citizens of the Americas.

The luncheon was held at the Universidad del Valle in Cochabamba as part of the activities of the forty-second regular session of the OAS General Assembly, which opens today and will last until June 5.

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June 3, 2012 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS WITH EUROPEAN UNION DIRECTOR FOR THE AMERICAS

The Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, met today with European Union (EU) Director for the Americas, Christian Leffler, and the EU Ambassador in Bolivia, Kenny Bell, and reaffirmed the commitment to continued cooperation to protect human rights in the hemisphere.

The meeting was being held on the margins of the OAS General Assembly, which opens in Cochabamba, Bolivia, today and ends on June 5.

Besides their commitment to human rights, both sides also exchanges views on cooperation around the issue of security, with Secretary General Insulza recalling the mandate that the OAS received from the recently held Summit of the Americas, to evaluate regional anti-drugs strategies.

Also participating at the meeting were the Secretary General’s Chief of Staff, Ambassador Hugo de Zela, and the OAS Secretary for External Relations, Ambassador Alfonso Quiñónez.

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May 8, 2012 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS WITH PERMANENT OBSERVERS

OAS Secretary General met with the Permanent Observers to the OAS on May 8 to exchange views on issues of the inter-American agenda, and present an overview of the results of the VI Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia as well as the upcoming XLII OAS General Assembly in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

The Secretary General and Permanent Observers actively and openly engaged in dialogue on state of Permanent Observer relations, transnational issues of relevance and logistics regarding upcoming meetings involving Permanent Observer participation.

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May 8, 2012 - FRANCE PRESENTS FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE OAS MISSION TO SUPPORT THE PEACE PROCESS IN COLOMBIA

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, and the Permanent Observer of France to the organization, Pierre-Henri Guignard, today signed an agreement that stipulates a contribution of 400,000 Euros for the Mission to Support the Peace in Colombia (MAPP) that the OAS has directed since 2004.

At the signing ceremony, Secretary General Insulza thanked France for its "important contribution" to the Mission, noting that it will allow the organization to continue to carry out the mandates that both the Permanent Council and the General Assembly have given the OAS, "especially on the implementation of the National Program for Economic and Social Reintegration, the monitoring of the implementation, application and dissemination of the justice and peace process, and the evaluation of the efforts by the National Commission for Reparation and Reconciliation, and to help prevent the recruitment of minors by criminal groups. "

The head of the hemispheric organization noted that the agreement "is part of the work that the OAS has carried out with France on many activities for 40 years," and took the opportunity to "make a vigorous and forceful call for the immediate release of the French journalist Frances Roméo Langlois, who is being held captive by the FARC."

The Permanent Representative of Colombia to the OAS, Ambassador Andrés González Díaz, for his part, stressed the importance of the contribution and praised the support and the follow-up shown by the OAS and France in the peace process in Colombia. "This is a particularly significant effort in the work that the OAS has been promoting in support of all the processes of land reclamation and rehabilitation of victims, by touching one of the structural aspects of the conflict in our nation," he said.

Finally, the French Ambassador spoke of the high priority that his country assigns to the Colombian peace process, saying that "peace in Colombia is first of all the responsibility of its citizens, as they were the ones who took the initiative in this reconciliation, and now they are supported by the international community and by the OAS, which is doing a remarkable job."

Ambassador Guignard also said that France wishes to fully participate in this process that “as was demonstrated at the recent Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, shows how Colombia is once again assuming its full place amongst the nations of the hemisphere."

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April 30, 2012 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS WITH PERMANENT OBSERVER OF GERMANY TO THE OAS AND AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES, PETER AMMON

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today met with the Ambassador of Germany to the United States, Peter Ammon, with whom he discussed current regional economic and social issues.

At the meeting, held at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, the Secretary General spoke about the work of the OAS, its structure, mission and history, and noted that it was the first international organization to implement a system of observer countries from outside the hemisphere.

Ambassador Ammon, for his part, spoke of Germany’s interest in Latin America and the Caribbean and its engagement with the region, particularly on economic and trade issues.

Germany has been a Permanent Observer to the OAS since 1972 and has provided support to the Organization in areas including the promotion of democracy, human rights, and fostering integral development and security.

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April 20, 2012 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL RECEIVES FINANCE MINISTER OF FINLAND

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today received the Finance Minister of Finland, Jutta Urpilainen, who is in Washington DC for a work visit.

During the meeting, the two discussed the conclusions of the Sixth Summit of the Americas, which took place last weekend in Colombia, as well as the economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean in recent years.

Finland has been a Permanent Observer of the OAS since 2001. It has contributed economically to the organization in the areas of Cooperation and Electoral Observation; the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development, and the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights.

Also present at the meeting in the office of the Secretary General were the Permanent Observer of Finland to the OAS, Ambassador Ritva Koukku-Ronde, the Permanent Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Finance of Finland, Martti Hetemaki, and the Director of the Department of International Relations of the OAS, Jorge Sanin.

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April 20, 2012 - SECRETARY FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR DANIEL CARMON, HEAD OF ISRAEL'S DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, MASHAV

On Friday, April 20, Ambassador Alfonso Quiñonez, Secretary for External Relations, met with Ambassador Daniel Carmon, Head of MASHAV, Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation. During the meeting, the two discussed the efforts and cooperation of Israel in the OAS as one of the largest in-kind contributors to important programs of human development, including the Young Americas Business Trust's (YABT) Business Labs for young entrepreneurs.

Israel reaffirmed its commitment to the Organization and expressed its will to building upon its relationship in the Americas, both bilaterally and multilaterally. Israel will work through the OAS and YABT to compliment its bilateral efforts, particularly in the Caribbean.

Ambassador Quiñonez also underscored the importance of in-kind contributions to the Organization, particularly Israel's support to the scholarships program of the Department for Human Development, Education and Culture. By opening its programs to students of the Americas, Israel and the OAS are having tremendous success in promoting education as a tool for development in the region.

The two also dialogued on the results of the VI Summit of the Americas as well as the upcoming XLII OAS General Assembly in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

April 11, 2012 - ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL RECEIVES DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAS FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM, ANGUS LAPSLEY

On April 11, Angus Lapsley, Director for the Americas of the United Kingdom's Foreign Commonwealth Office, met with Ambassador Albert Ramdin, Assistant Secretary General of the OAS.

Mr. Lapsley was accompanied by Mr. Martin Longden, Head of Southern Oceans Section, Overseas Territories Department and Mr. James Eke, Alternate Observer to the OAS. During the meeting, Mr. Lapsley and Ambassador Ramdin discussed preparations for the VI Summit of the Americas and to dialogue on the situation in the region.

Mr. Lapsley affirmed his government's commitment to the region, both politically and economically. Mr. Lapsley also hailed the OAS as the premier forum for Dialogue on issues of the inter-American agenda and expressed the United Kingdom's support for the role of the Organization in the region.

March 30, 2012 - NEW PERMANENT OBSERVER OF SPAIN TO THE OAS PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Ambassador Jorge Hevia Sierra, Spain's new Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States (OAS), today presented his credentials to the Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, emphasizing the "special commitment" of the Spanish government to the hemispheric organization.

In his address to delegates of member countries and OAS officials, Ambassador Hevia Sierra said that "in the second half of the twentieth century, international organizations contributed to a major change in the international order. With their activity, they have become protagonists and have played a key role in the transformation of the global political landscape."

During the ceremony, held at the OAS headquarters in Washington DC, the Spanish diplomat recalled that the OAS is "the regional and multilateral forum par excellence," which, together with the important relationships that Spain maintains with every country in the hemisphere, makes the contact with the OAS “ideal” for the foreign policy of his country. "Our interest in the region stems from our commitment and involvement with Iberoamerica which represents a priority of our foreign policy, and that is based on a relationship of equality, and preceded by our mutual appreciation. We must add that we maintain a privileged relationship with the countries of North America with whom we share interests and principles and a desire to deepen our relationship with the Caribbean countries to integrate them in a very active way and with a relevant role into the general whole of our policies in the Americas."

The new Permanent Observer pointed out that cooperation between his country and the OAS dates back to 1972, when Spain was the first country outside the region to be accredited as a permanent observer to the hemispheric body, and noted that since 1998 this collaboration was strengthened with the signing of the agreement with the Spanish International Cooperation Agency and the creation of the Spanish Fund in the OAS. "Since 2006 Spain has contributed $50 million to the Organization, this is clear proof of our commitment to it," said Ambassador Hevia.

In welcoming the new Spanish representative, Secretary General Insulza recalled that the OAS, with its association with Spain, was the first organization that established a category for observers and since then the European country "has committed itself to support us on issues we decide to work on together, with very fruitful results."

"This work has been essential for us at all levels, having a very broad agenda in which we have established a multi-year programming system that allows us to set goals and long-term priorities," said the head of the hemispheric organization, who also added that Spain "has not only been a key member of our organization, but it has also helped us to establish effective working procedures for assistance through specific funds."

The OAS Secretary General also expressed that "we have come a long way together, and especially in recent decades when cooperation has been intensified, as Spain set a determined and sustained relationship with our region," and concluded by proposing that the next General Assembly of the Organization, to be held from June 3rd to 5th in Cochabamba, Bolivia, " be an opportunity to renew our ties of cooperation."

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March 21, 2012 - OAS PERMANENT COUNCIL HOSTED THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF SERBIA

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) today hosted the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Vuk Jeremic, during an ordinary session held at the organization's headquarters in Washington, DC.

The OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, acknowledged the role played by the European nation in OAS activities since it became an observer country in 2002, and he specifically thanked Minister Jeremic for his presence at the last four General Assemblies of the hemispheric organization. The Secretary General also highlighted the predisposition of Serbia towards international collaboration, and praised the Serbian authorities’ ability "to rebuild their nation" after past conflicts, "and especially to lead the country on the path of peace and democracy, something it is widely known for today."

For his part, Foreign Minister Jeremic said that Serbia is proud to be part of the OAS, "a forum that has been setting the agenda for democracy in the Hemisphere, as well as for peace, human rights, security and sustainable development, for more than a century”. The Serbian Minister announced his intention to attend the upcoming OAS General Assembly to be held June 3-6 in Cochabamba (Bolivia), "as an example of our commitment to maximize our relations with the OAS."

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March 9, 2012 - OAS AND CHINA EXPLORE OPTIONS TO INCREASE THEIR COLLABORATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today hosted the General Director of the Department of Latin America and the Caribbean of the Ministry of Foreign Relations of China, Yang Wanming, with who he discussed new options to further collaborate on projects and programs for Latin America and the Caribbean.

During the meeting, that was held in the Continental organization’s headquarters in Washington, DC, The Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, showed his interest in finding areas together to, “Develop and strengthen the relationship with China, promoting deeper cooperation and voluntary fsupport for OAS programs.”

The head of the OAS mentioned that the Hemispheric Organization and the People’s Republic of China began their bilateral collaboration in 2004, the year the Asian country assumed permanent observer status in the Organization. “We value the contribution made by China since then, your presence and willingness to work with us in obtaining common goals for the continent,” he said.

Yang Wanming expressed the importance that his country grants to Latin America and the Caribbean, and thanked the Secretary General for his interest and the Organization’s “to continue working with our country. The OAS is a good partner for China to have in order to achieve its goals of making bonds with the Hemisphere,” he expressed.

The Chinese representative visited the OAS with the directors for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Foreign Ministry of China, Hu Lan and Sun Yi; as well as the Deputy Director of North America and Oceania, Hu Yumin. The Secretary General was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Ambassador Hugo de Zela; OAS Secretary of External Relations Ambassador Alfonso Quiñonez; and the Director of International Relations, Jorge Sanín.

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March 3, 2012 - OAS DELEGATION TRAVELS TO RUSSIA TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION IN ELECTORAL OBSERVATION

Mr. Pablo Gutierrez, Director of the OAS Department for Electoral Cooperation and Observation, and Mr. David Alvarez, Specialist in that Department, traveled to Moscow, Russia from March 2-6, 2012 to strengthen cooperation between the General Secretariat and the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC).

The OAS delegation received a presentation on the systems and methodologies of the CEC, in the framework of the recent Presidential election in that country. While also having the opportunity to meet with the President of the CEC, Vladimir Churov, Mr. Gutierrez discussed the work of the OAS in electoral cooperation, including the extensive and widely-recognized methodologies for electoral observation.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding, signed on March 3, the OAS and the Russian CEC established a formal cooperation arrangement by agreeing to establish a mechanism for collaboration in the design and implementation of the electoral process; and for exchange, mutual consultation and cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration.

Memorandum of Understanding between the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States and the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation

February 28, 2012 - OAS ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS WITH EU OFFICIALS IN BRUSSELS

Officials of the Organization of American States and the European Union met in Brussels this week for the first policy dialogue between the two hemispheric institutions. Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Ambassador Albert Ramdin led the delegation of OAS officials who met with the European Unions Secretary General of the External Action Service Pierre Vimont and Head of the Americas Division Christian Leffler.

The meetings which were aimed at strengthening relations between the EU and the OAS, identified electoral observation and follow up, institutional strengthening and human rights, as areas for more focused collaboration.

A 2009 MOU between the OAS and the EU stipulates that a second policy dialogue will focus on development as well as the challenges to security in the Americas.

According to OAS Assistant Secretary General Ramdin, “The OAS and the EU have a good working relationship and it is important for both organizations to engage in a meaningful manner on a regular basis."

Following the meetings, the OAS officials expressed satisfaction with the discussions in Brussels, with the Assistant Secretary General saying that the talks "provided a starting point to design a more structured approach and comprehensive portfolio of projects in the areas of democracy, development and security."

Assistant Secretary General Ramdin also met with the Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr.Geert Muylle, on Belgiums assistance in various OAS programs.

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February 16, 2012 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS WITH PERMANENT OBSERVER OF MOROCCO

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, received today in a protocolary visit the Moroccan Permanent Observer Mohamed Rachad Bouhlal.

During the meeting, held at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, the Moroccan Ambassador, who also represents his country before the United States Government, praised the role played by the Organization in the hemisphere and expressed his willingness to strengthen ties on matters of common interest.

They also talked about current political affairs in America and the African country, as well as the Third Summit of South American and Arab Countries to be held in Lima, Peru, in September.

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Press Release

February 16, 2012 - OAS SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS WITH PERMANENT OBSERVERS

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, met today with the diplomatic representatives of the Permanent Observer countries of the Organization to inform them about the Sixth Summit of the Americas, to be held April 14 and 15 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, and the 42nd General Assembly of the Organization, to be held June 3 to 5 in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Secretary General Insulza talked about the value of the hemispheric summits by stating that “many of the important things that have been done at this level in the last 10 years were thanks to the Summits of the Americas.” In that sense he mentioned the Inter-American Democratic Charter, bilateral and multilateral free-trade agreements, and the Inter-American Social Protection Network, among others.

The Secretary General explained that at the 2012 Summit, issues will be addressed to foment collaboration between countries, such as infrastructure at the continental level; access to technology; natural disasters; poverty and inequality; and public security. At the General Assembly, he recalled that the principal theme will be food security, and he urged observers who wish to participate to do so.

The OAS currently has 68 Permanent Observer countries that participate in the activities of the Organization and contribute to its programs.

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The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, met today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Vuk Jeremic, at Organization headquarters in Washington, DC.

During the meeting, the head of the hemispheric body and the Serbian foreign minister, who is a candidate for the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly, talked about current political affairs in Latin America and the Caribbean, in Europe and also in the European country, which will hold parliamentary elections this year. They also spoke about public security and violence in the Hemisphere; the 2012 OAS General Assembly, to be held in Cochabamba, Bolivia; and about the conflict over the Malvinas Islands, among other things.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia is an OAS Observer State, and contributes financially to some of its programs. Minister Jeremic regularly attends the regular sessions of the OAS General Assembly, which are held every year in June

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The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, met today with Azerbaijan’s Permanent Observer to the OAS, Elin Suleymanov.

The meeting was held at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, and focused on cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Organization, specifically with the Inter-American Children’s Institute (IIN), the Peace Fund, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

Ambassador Suleymanov, who also is Ambassador to the White House, expressed interest on the topics to be discussed at the Sixth Summit of the Americas, to be held in April in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, and at the next OAS General Assembly in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in June.

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The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, met today with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Ryabkov, with whom he spoke about new and strengthened avenues of cooperation between the organization and the Eurasian country.

In the meeting, held at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, Deputy Minister Ryabkov commended the OAS’s role as mediator in resolving conflicts in the region, especially the efforts made after the coup d’état in Honduras in 2009, as well as in the crisis between Colombia and Ecuador in 2008. In this regard, he affirmed that such work "is proof of the organization’s importance and relevance."

The Russian Deputy Minister also mentioned the areas to which his country assigns greater priority in its relationship with the Western hemisphere, among which he mentioned the electoral processes, the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. In this regard the Minister advocated for making cooperation more substantive between the organization and his country, specifically in the programs developed by the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) and the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD). He also encouraged the participation of the OAS in the meetings taking place in Europe and Asia in the field of the fight against drugs, and he extended his country’s offer to work with the OAS in the area of ​​training and professionalism of police officers.

The Secretary General thanked the Russian government's interest in deepening its cooperation with the OAS, beyond the permanent observer role it has held since 1992, and expressed the Organization’s desire to participate in the international meetings mentioned. He also offered the opportunity to exchange best practices on issues of electoral observation with Russia in view of the upcoming March presidential elections.

Other matters on the agenda of the meeting included the nature, importance, and competence of the various regional and subregional organizations, and the expectations and efforts of the OAS in support of the reconstruction of Haiti.

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