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HEAD OF OAS URGES EUROPE TO DEEPEN COOPERATION WITH LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

• Identifies weak institutions as a major problem for many democratically-elected governments
• Urges Europe to understand background problems of a hemisphere with dynamic democracy and economy, but facing risk of shortfall in good governance

The Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, has identified weak institutions—on which many democratically-elected governments depend—as a major factor influencing democracy in our hemisphere. “The combination of weak institutions and strong governments is never stable but, rather, is always difficult and puts democracy at risk,” Insulza said, urging Europeans not to ignore the substantive problems of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Insulza made the appeal in Rome, where he addressed the Third Italy-Latin America and the Caribbean Conference organized by the Italian Institute for Latin America, being held under the theme “Italy and Latin America: Together towards the future.” He added that governments must demonstrate problem-solving capabilities, coming up with public policies that benefit society. While noting that the last four years have brought Latin America sustained economic growth, a reduction in poverty and improved electoral democracy, Insulza warned that poverty levels were still high, exacerbated by inequality, crime and a shortfall in good governance—issues that governments must tackle with scarce resources.

The OAS Secretary General explained that whether Latin American democracies are stronger or weaker depends on how these elements are managed. He stated further that how these processes unfold will determine “whether we have democratic states governed by laws and institutions, or whether states are democratic only insofar as elections are concerned, thereby opening the door to dictatorships—which may enjoy popular support—replacing real democracies.”

As defined by the Inter-American Democratic Charter, to be a democratic government “it is not enough to be simply a government democratically elected in complete legitimate elections,” Insulza said. “On top of that basic foundation certain conditions are necessary for proper functioning, which have to do with two other areas of policy: the first is a constitutional system of representative democracy, the rule of law, an independent judiciary and multi-party rule; and the second is respect for fundamental rights, freedom of expression and press freedom, as well as public participation.”

Following his overview of the scenario in Latin America and the Caribbean, Insulza commended the political will demonstrated by Spain, which two decades ago “decided to focus priority attention on Latin America, manifested through investment, cooperation, trade and political presence that facilitate the creation of a real Ibero-American Community.” This was not by accident, he argued, “but rather is the product of political decisions and public policies to that effect. In the process, Spain has become the largest provider of assistance to the region and on behalf of the OAS, I must say thanks.”

Insulza also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by other European governments, notably the Nordic countries, which in real terms “have laid the foundation for a Priority Alliance, as noted earlier in this seminar.” The top issues of today, he said, “are political, and as for rapprochement, the political rapprochement between Latin America and Europe is of the highest order, given that Europeans are in a position to play a positive role supporting democratic development in our hemisphere at this rather complex juncture in its transition.”

Reference: E-262/07