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KOREA AND FRANCE ANNOUNCE CONTRIBUTIONS
TO SUPPORT OAS INITIATIVES IN THE AMERICAS

  June 17, 2008

Two Permanent Observers to the Organization of American States (OAS) have pledged their support to OAS-run programs, thus reaffirming their interest in the development of the Western Hemisphere.

The Permanent Observer Representative of Korea, Ambassador Tae-sik Lee, announced a cash contribution of US$100,000 that will benefit four programs: Model OAS General Assembly, Strengthening Access to Justice in the Americas 2008, Election Observation, and Empowerment, HIV and Violence against Women in the Caribbean.

For its part, the Government of France expressed its strong interest in continuing to support OAS programs by offering a contribution of over US$125,000. This donation will support OAS initiatives, including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ activities in Haiti, the program on Empowerment, HIV and Violence against Women in the Caribbean, promotion of freedom of expression, indigenous rights, the fight against terrorism, and the Lecture Series of the Americas.

The Secretary General of the OAS, José Miguel Insulza, said that the Permanent Observers play a critical role in the development and implementation of OAS activities in the Hemisphere. Without Permanent Observer’s support for OAS activities, it would certainly be difficult to achieve our objectives in strengthening democracy, advocating human rights, advancing security, and promoting integral development.

Korea became a Permanent Observer to the OAS on June 3, 1981, and France on September 20, 1972.

Reference: E-240/08