CP/DEC. 41 (1684/09)

DECLARATION BY THE PERMANENT COUNCIL
ON THE PASSING OF MR. RAUL RICARDO ALFONSIN
FORMER PRESIDENT OF ARGENTINA

(Adopted at its session held on April 1, 2009)

                THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,

              BEARING IN MIND the decease of Dr. Raúl Ricardo Alfonsín, former President of the Argentine Republic (from 1983 to 1989), in Buenos Aires on March 31, 2009;

               CONSIDERING the fundamental part that former President Alfonsín was called upon to play, as a leader, statesman, and democrat, in the restoration and consolidation of democracy in that country as well as his undeniable influence in the Hemisphere as a tireless defender of human rights, democratic values, integration, and peace in the Americas;

             EXPRESSES its profound sorrow at the irreparable loss of Dr. Raúl Alfonsín, the much-loved champion of democracy and integration in America and conveys its condolences to his family, the Argentine people and its Government; and

              DECLARES its recognition of his leadership and brilliant political career, his valuable contribution to the strengthening of democratic principles, and his unflagging dedication to the observance and promotion of human rights in the Hemisphere.