The government of Ecuador has signed an agreement with the Organization of American States (OAS) to host the 34th regular session of the OAS General Assembly on June 6 through 8 of this year.

Ambassador Marcelo Hervas, who signed the documents today along with OAS Secretary General César Gaviria, said his country looks forward to welcoming the hemisphere’s foreign ministers as well as OAS and other delegates to the capital city of Quito.

“Ecuador attaches special importance to this hemispheric meeting of our Organization’s highest decision-making body,” Hervas added, informing the Secretary General that the government has already set up a national organizing committee to work along with the OAS on preparations for the Assembly.

Gaviria said it is particularly significant for him as the upcoming General Assembly will be his last as Secretary General. He particularly welcomed Ecuador’s proposal for the issue of corruption to be a central topic of the foreign ministers’ gathering, which he hopes will be “a celebration in democracy.”

Noting that “we will be there to support the Ecuadorian President in his effort to transform the country, bolster governance and tackle its complex problems,” Gaviria said that President Lucio Gutiérrez “enjoys the support and the admiration of the entire hemispheric community.”


Ambassador Marcelo Hervas and Secretary General Dr. César Gaviria signing the agreement
Ambassador Marcelo Hervas and Secretary General Dr. César Gaviria shaking hands

Reference: E-017/04