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THE OAS COMMEMORATED AN “ENCOUNTER OF TWO WORLDS” WHILE ANALYZING FUTURE CHALLENGES

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS), held today a protocolary session to commemorate the 517th Anniversary of the “Discovery of America: An Encounter of two worlds.”

The Chair of the OAS Permanent Council, and Permanent Representative of Colombia, Luis Alfonso Hoyos Aristizabal, stated that “as with any commemoration, this should be an opportunity to learn from past lessons, and also to acknowledge achievements. Confirming the historic facts, with highs and lows, should serve as a stimulus to confront current challenges.”

Among those challenges, the Colombian diplomat highlighted the “return of democratic institutionality to Honduras, opening alternatives for reconciliation and for national self-determination; the strengthening of culture and of democratic institutions in the continent; persistence and steadiness in pursuing the full respect for human rights in our countries; and the accomplishment of the Millennium development Goals,” among others.

On the other hand, the OAS Secretary for Administration and Finance, Frank Almaguer, on behalf of the OAS Secretary General, affirmed that “a day like this one offers a new opportunity for renovating the commitment to our ideals reflected in the work of the Organization: peace, justice for all, the respect for human rights and democracy as instruments for development and for the common principles of our people.”

“The American continent is still facing great challenges, from poverty and illness to violence and injustice. We are also a continent full of creativity and commitment with important values that we all share,” affirmed Almaguer.

The OAS high-level official deemed “fair and appropriate that the OAS, jointly with Spain, celebrate this date, and see this moment as a new opportunity to renovate our commitment to continue working to make the Americas a prosperous hemisphere.”

Finally, the Permanent Observer of Spain to the OAS, Ambassador Javier Sancho, stated that “Spain admires and respects the group of free, equal, sovereign and independent nations born in America two centuries ago.

“Spain’s heart beats with America’s heart. Our feeling as a nation, our identity, has been, and will always be connected to America, with all its complexity, all its languages, and all its beauty. For that reason, we want to participate as partners in the Bicentennial celebration of the Americas and to do so with high regard and respect,” the diplomat said.

The delegations of Brazil, the United Sates, Canada, Guyana and Costa Rica also made comments to refer to the commemoration of the encounter of two worlds.

Reference: E-331/09