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LUIGI R. EINAUDI, ACTING SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
MESSAGE OF THE ACTING SECRETARY GENERAL, AMBASSADOR LUIGI R. EINAUDI

January 1, 2005 - Washington, DC


As we greet 2005, we are drawn to reflect on the turbulent times in which we live.

The need for world growth and respect among nations is at the heart of the efforts of the Organization of American States (OAS) to defend democracy and promote human rights and peace in the Americas.

Witness to this commitment is borne by members of our Specialized Agencies and of our General Secretariat who regularly go into harm's way, with little or no fanfare, to advance the Inter-American Ideal and the causes common to all peoples of the Americas

In Colombia, an OAS Mission is overcoming physical and moral obstacles to verify the disarmament and the peaceful reintegration into democratic civilian life of former fighters. In Haiti, an OAS Mission is supporting the United Nations and providing professional support for elections to take place later this year. We are emphasizing the design of a comprehensive electoral registry that could serve, after the elections, as a basis for modernizing Haiti’s civil registry, hoping to thereby contribute to long-term institutional development and to spread the benefits of legal recognition to all Haitians, regardless of position in life.

During 2005, the General Secretariat will give top priority to supporting the IV Summit of the Americas, to take place in Argentina in November with a focus on creating jobs to confront poverty and strengthen democratic governance.

The year 2005 should also bear witness to an enhanced role for regional organizations throughout the world. Last month’s report of the United Nations' High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change makes very clear that major reforms are necessary in the manner in which international issues are treated, and that among these reforms have to be increased responsibilities for regional organizations like the OAS. I have every confidence that this Organization will fulfill the role expected of it.

In this task, I consider myself fortunate to be able to count on the dedication of the women and men with whom I work. The General Secretariat would not be able to acquit itself of its responsibilities without the continued professionalism of its international civil servants. The quality of the work of our staff, and the respect demonstrated by our Member States and our Permanent Observer States, enable me to affirm that the OAS will emerge from the current uncertainties stronger and even better able contribute to the well-being of all peoples of the Americas.