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OAS CONGRATULATES THE PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE U.S. AND WELCOMES HIM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS

The Permanent Council and the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, congratulated the President-elect of the United States, Barack Obama, and welcomed him as a future participant at the Fifth Summit of the Americas, which will take place on April 17-19 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

“For us, what happens here, in the United States, not only the oldest democracy in the Hemisphere, but also the oldest democracy in the world, is a matter of great importance. Yesterday, again, the American people demonstrated their vocation and love for democracy. Not only the fact that so many people came out to vote, and that it was a peaceful election, but also because minorities and majorities got together to celebrate democracy,” expressed the Secretary General during the Regular Session of the Permanent Council.

According to the leader of the regional Organization, the elections that took place last Tuesday were encouraging for all of the OAS Member States. “I hope that this new example of democracy will strengthen this Organization’s will to continue to fight bravely for the common values that we share, those that have given birth to this Organization, and that have kept it standing for so many years”, he stated.

For his part, the President of the Permanent Council, and Representative from Bolivia, Ambassador Reynaldo Cuadros, congratulated the American people for the “civism demonstrated during yesterday’s electoral process”. He also stated his perception that “these elections had a high level of participation” and requested other delegates to “also express their best wishes to the people of the United States and its future government.”

The U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS, Ambassador Hector Morales, thanked the members for the sentiments expressed and concurred on the importance of the high level of participation from citizens who cast their vote in a journey that resulted in the election of the first African-American as President of his country.

“Voters had a free, fair and transparent election, which is the most basic process of democracies. I am very proud of my country today. United States’ citizens exercised their right to vote yesterday, because they were determined to play a role in the future of their country,” he added.

Lastly, The Representative of Trinidad and Tobago, to the OAS, Ambassador Glenda Morean-Phillip, commended the people of America for their civic commitment and welcomed the President-elect as future participant at the Fifth Summit of the Americas that will gather the 34 Heads of State and Government of the OAS Members States in her country on April 17-19, 2009.

Reference: E-421/08