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LUIGI R. EINAUDI, ACTING SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
AT THE DONATION CEREMONY OF THE NETHERLANDS TO THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF THE OAS AND ITS MISSION TO SUPPORT THE PEACE PROCESS IN COLOMBIA

December 7, 2004 - Washington, DC


• I would like to thank Ambassador Boudewijn J. van Eenennaam for joining us here today, and I would especially like to thank the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its generous and most welcome donation.

• I would also like to welcome Ms. Maria Clara Isaza, Minister Plenipotentiary and Interim Representative of the Colombian Mission to the OAS.

• I would also like to recognize the presence of my OAS colleagues John Biehl, Director of the Department of Democratic and Political Affairs, and Sergio Caramagna, Head of the OAS’ Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia.

• The $953,000 donation made by the Dutch Government is the most significant contribution from the international community that the Organization’s Mission has received.

• In accompanying the process, the OAS is committed to advancing peace, justice and transparency.

• It is not surprising that this type of support would come from your country. The Netherlands has been a longstanding friend of the Organization and has donated generously since it gained Permanent Observer status to the OAS in 1972.

• In the past five years alone the Netherlands has contributed more than US$4 million to support a broad range of OAS programs including electoral observation missions, demining and the promotion of peace.

• We hope that your donation, along with the Swedish Government’s earlier commitment to our Mission, will set the example that other countries will follow as we work to strengthen our efforts in Colombia.

• We realize that your Government’s decision to donate to our Mission is a courageous one. We see your gesture as a clear sign that the international community, and Europe in particular, is realizing that the Colombian people deserve and require support in their efforts to achieve a long-lasting peace.