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QUOTES OF THE DAY (Previous)
 Latest
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Secretary General Congratulates Colombia for rescue operation
“We celebrate the freedom of the hostages, for them, for their families and for all the people of Colombia. Their liberation embodies the goals of peace that our Organization fights for” - OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
2 July, 2008
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AT MODEL ASSEMBLY FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, SECRETARY GENERAL TOUTS RELEVANCE OF OAS
“Our organization seeks to embrace the youth and to help them overcome, while learning from them—tapping into their innovative ideas and their creative spirit.”
(Full story)
Press Release
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OAS Reject EU Anti-Immigrant Law
“Once again the developed world has approved a repressive measure against illegal immigrants that directly affects many Latin Americans” - OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
21 June, 2008
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Crime and violence undermining Caribbean development
Multidimensional security threats require multidimensional, multidisciplinary and innovative responses. I firmly believe that a holistic, integrated approach to security and crime prevention must address development, good governance and the rule of law, as well as crime prevention. - OAS Assistant Secretary General, Albert R. Ramdin
(Full story)
31 October, 2007 Hardbeatnews
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OAS and IDB study mechanisms to strengthen the impact of culture on the economic growth of the Americas
“The Americas are not only an inexhaustible source of this raw material; we have all the real conditions to turn our rich cultural diversity into an effective tool to combat hunger, poverty and social exclusion.” - OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
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OAS symposium examines strategies for empowering future leaders
“Substantively improving opportunities for youth and providing them good opportunities for education, a better standard of living and work is the best way to secure a better future for Latin America and the Caribbean,” - OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza at the OAS Youth Symposium and Dialogues with Young People.
(Full story)
Caribbean Net News, September 21, 2007
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OAS affirms full and productive employment initiative
“We believe that professional training is an instrument for productive policy as well as social policy that contributes to increasing productivity, quality, and competitiveness as well as integration, social harmony and equal opportunity,” - COSATE-CEATAL declaration at the XV IACML
(Full story)
Caribbean Net News, September 14, 2007
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Antigua & Barbuda Is New Chair of OAS' Permanent Council
"Our future is 100 percent reliant on our youth. It is therefore imperative that we give voice to their concerns and to their vision." Ambassador Deborah-Mae Lovell-
(Full story)
HardBeat News, July 10, 2007
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OAS head and Panamanian president hold talks
"I'm sure the ministers who will attend the General Assembly will speak with one voice on the need to promote the alternatives presented by renewable energy and energy efficiency"-Jose Miguel Insulza-OAS Secretary General.
(Full story)
UPI, June 1, 2007
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Bush, Garcia, urges free trade deal ratification
"The president is here to urge the Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, to pass the free trade agreement with Peru, and I urge them to vote yes," -President George W. Bush
(Full story)
AFP, April 23, 2007
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Bush nominates Bonilla for OAS ambassadorship
"From international economic partnerships to the prosecution of the global war on terror, it is more important than ever for the United States to maintain strong relationships with its international neighbors.I'm confident Henry Bonilla will help our nation achieve those goals.""- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
(Full story)
Dallas Morning News, March 16, 2007
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Bid on Panama
"Panama represents some exciting opportunities for Caribbean companies that are competitive, especially with the upcoming expansion of the canal"- Michael King- Ambassador of Barbados to the OAS.
(Full story)
Nation News, March 15, 2007
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U.S., Brazil should lead biofuel plan
"Experience in the United States, which makes ethanol from corn and recently passed Brazil as the world's top producer, shows that biofuel production can provide higher incomes and more jobs to struggling rural communities"- José Miguel Insulza- OAS Secretary General
(Full story)
Miami Herald, February 25, 2007
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The Poor Take the Brunt
"Ordinary citizens must take back their rightful power, and continuously monitor public affairs in the communities where they live and work," - Eduardo Bertoni of the Due Process of Law Foundation
(Full story)
IPS, February 14, 2007
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OAS Chief Seeks Dialogue With Cuba
"I'm not calling for Cuba's return to the OAS ... but it seems to me that the OAS should get involved in at least initiating a significant dialogue with Cuba."
- OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
AP, February 13, 2007
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Insulza: “lack of dialogue with Cuba is only temporary”
"I hope that the lack of dialogue about or with Cuba is only a temporary situation. We cannot help the people of Cuba if we cannot talk to them" - OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
Mercopress, February 7, 2007
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OAS: Latin Americans need greater role
"Our people tend to come and say how much poverty, how much malnutrition, how many problems of education and how much crime exists in Latin America. Instead, they should follow in the footsteps of the Indians, the Pakistanis and the Chinese who are here (at Davos) representing all the advantages of their countries," -- OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
AP, January 26, 2007
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Chavez denounced for canceling TV license
"The closing of a mass communications outlet is a rare step in the history of our hemisphere and has no precedent in the recent decades of democracy."- OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
Los Angeles Times, January 8, 2007
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World leaders mourn, praise late US president Ford
"President Ford brought to the White House a true sense of optimism during a very challenging period in this nation's history"- OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
AFP, December 28, 2006
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Richardson to work on 'hemispheric relations' for OAS
"It would be my goal to demonstrate to OAS member states that they have an equal responsibility to solve the immigration problem and work together on many important issues,"-New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.
(Full story)
AP, December 7, 2006
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OAS head targets poverty, not politics
"I am worried about seeing if the constant economic growth that Latin America has been experiencing can continue under more complicated conditions than what the economies face today,"--OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza.
(Full story)
Miami Herald, December 5, 2006
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Insulza vows "thorough" observation of Venezuelan election
"We are going to do our work with great thoroughness, but at the same we are going to meet the profile of an observation mission. That is our task and that is what we are going to do on December 3rd."--OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza.
(Full story)
El Universal, October 25, 2006
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Insulza expects US-Venezuelan relations to improve
"I have reasons to think that they should improve or will never go too far and worsen, because anyhow Venezuela is the eight oil exporter to the United States,"--OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza.
(Full story)
El Universal, October 2, 2006
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OAS: We can't discuss Cuban changes now
"There is no proposal that we can officially evaluate,"--OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza.
(Full story)
Miami Herald, September 21, 2006
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García: I have changed
"I don't see major changes in economic policy and international policies"--OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza.
(Full story)
Miami Herald, July 29, 2006
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$750 million in aid pledged to help Haiti
"Slowly, step by step, we'll have to lay the foundation for sustained growth. Everybody wants to see Haiti grow and prosper, and not always as a problem."-- Albert Ramdin, OAS Assistant Secretary General
(Full story)
Miami Herald, July 26, 2006
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OAS leader charts an independent course
"The OAS can be an honest broker in the hemisphere,but never an intervention force."--José Miguel Insulza, OAS Secretary General
(Full story)
Miami Herald, June 9, 2006
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Hemisphere needs a relevant OAS
"Insulza has, indeed, lived up to his reputation for forceful leadership. A robust and relevant OAS is needed more than ever."- Marifeli Pérez-Stable, vice president for democratic governance at the Inter-American Dialogue.
(Full story)
Miami Herald, May 25, 2006
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Disunity new ruler of region
"We have big concerns that the crises of governments have been replaced by crises between governments," said OAS chief José Miguel Insulza, who recently issued a statement urging Latin American leaders to "do everything necessary to preserve peace and democracy."
(Full story)
Miami Herald, May 23, 2006
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OAS chief pledges supports for Costa Rica's new president
"President Arias has begun his second presidency at an important moment for the country. I believe he will be very successful. He is a person with a great deal of international standing and he could help a lot on the continent."- OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
Source: Xinhua, May 9, 2006
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OAS calls on country members to “cool”
"[R]estoring peace and democracy required an enormous effort on the part of our countries in decades past, and therefore we should do everything necessary to preserve peace and democracy, and avoid situations that could undermine them."-OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
Source: Mercopress, May 1, 2006
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EU says Latin America should embrace free trade
"There are about 200 million poor people in Latin America, 40 percent of them are in extreme poverty and this creates difficulties in all aspects of social life, including in political life.In countries where there is a lot of poverty and few resources it is more difficult to have a more democratic system."- OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
Source: AP, March 28, 2006
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Rice seeks closer regional ties
"We all have a tremendous stake in the development of a democratic Haiti that can be self-supporting ultimately and that can reach out to its people and deliver on the quite considerable needs of its people. We share a strong interest in a democratic and stable Haiti." -U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
(Full story)
Source: The Miami Herald, March 23, 2006
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For many, democracy has been disappointing
"We have democratic governments. What we don't have are government institutions able to deliver what the people really want.That is why democracy is in doubt today in Latin America." -José Miguel Insulza, OAS Secretary General
(Full story)
Source: The Houston Chronicle, February 19, 2006
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Deal on ballots hands Préval victory in Haiti
"We should all respect a decision" that marked "a significant step towards building the country's future on democracy" -José Miguel Insulza, OAS Secretary General
(Full story)
Source: The Financial Times, February 17, 2006
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Violence Flares as Top Candidate Slips in Haiti Count
"This is a problem that I believe can be worked out with good will and cooperation, not with haggling and street protests." -José Miguel Insulza, OAS Secretary General
(Full story)
Source: The New York Times, February 14, 2006
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Haitians Flock to Vote, on a Day of Anger and Hope
"We cannot be complacent, mistakes were made and we will have to discuss them. But the fact is that we had a satisfactory election in Haiti, a satisfactory election in which many people voted."-OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
Source: The New York Times, February 8, 2006
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Quiet Force in Raucous Arena
"We are the last resort for individuals whose rights have been violated and who can't find relief in their own systems." -Santiago Canton, Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
(Full story)
Source: Wall Street Journal, January 23, 2006
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Bolivia's new president is no Che Guevara
"There is a leftward drift in Latin America today, but it is not homogeneous." -Former Mexican Foreign Minister Jorge Castañeda
(Full story)
Source: International Herald Tribune, January 18, 2006
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Socialist Bachelet Wins Chilean Presidency
"We now have a new Chile, we have for the first time in our history a woman president." -Outgoing Chilean President Ricardo Lagos, speaking to the nation after congratulating his successor, Michelle Bachelet
(Full story)
Source: AP, January 15, 2006
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Bolivia's new president is no Che Guevara
"There is a leftward drift in Latin America today, but it is not homogeneous." -Former Mexican Foreign Minister Jorge Castañeda
(Full story)
Source: International Herald Tribune, January 18, 2006
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OAS agrees to monitor vote
“We will have complete access to all information and the automatic voting machines.... We will have complete independence.” -Rubén Perina, who heads the OAS electoral observation mission in Venezuela
(Full story)
Source: Reuters, November 14, 2005
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Latin summit likely to be tough on Bush
"I don't think good relations necessarily mean somebody has to agree with America 100 percent of the time." --President George W. Bush, as he prepared to head for the Fourth Summit of the Americas
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, November 3, 2005
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LATIN AMERICA:
The Century of Development?
"Without a good government, consensus cannot be obtained, neither from the political opposition nor from the majority that upholds the government, participation leads to a sense of responsibility on the part of the citizens, who should be the guarantors of governability." -OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
Source: Inter Press Service News Agency, October 19, 2005
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Embattled President Negotiates Deal
"They are starting a national dialogue, which is what we were all working toward,they're on the right path." José Miguel Insulza- OAS Secretary General
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, October 12, 2005
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Challenge For Haiti is Governance After Election-OAS
"If there is political will in Haiti and from the interim government to make the right decisions, we will be able to have an electoral calendar towards the 20th of November and then hopefully, if that works out fine, on the 7th of February next year, will be a constitutionally elected president with his own Cabinet." Albert Ramdin- OAS Assistant Secretary General
(Full story)
Source: Hardbeatnews.com, October 7, 2005
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Latin America's future
"beyond the polemics and debate that characterize all democratic systems-the paradigm of democracy and free markets that has been so successful in guiding the expansion of freedom and economic growth in Latin America remains firmly in place."- Charles S. Shapiro, US acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, October 1, 2005
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Imprisoned journalists in Cuba . . . and the United States
"While it is easy to explain why an independent journalist could end his or her days in jail under a totalitarian regime, it is hard to see how the same could happen to a journalist in a democratic regime -- where freedom of expression is a cornerstone value -- simply because of his or her work." -Eduardo Bertoni, OAS Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, September 14, 2005
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OAS support eyed to protect Bolanos
"The OAS has a democratic charter and the history of the OAS is intertwined with Nicaragua. It has a strong moral voice in the region and it means a lot to the people." -Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Norman Caldera.
(Full story)
Source: Washington Times, September 3, 2005
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After Decades, Nations Focus on Rights Abuses
"This is a remarkable and very important development that we have only seen in the past few years. More and more, tribunals are deciding they can reopen a case internally and make justice if it is in order to comply with the Inter-American system." -Santiago Cantón, Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
(Full story)
Source: New York Times, September 1, 2005
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OAS to reinforce supervision of peace process in Colombia
"When the demobilization is over on Dec. 31, it will be possible to reconstruct these zones for people in general to have a guarantee that this phenomenon (civil war) will disappear from Colombia" -Colombian Vice President Francisco Santos Calderon
(Full story)
Source: Xinhua News Agency, August 31, 2005
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Departing U.S. official praised for tough stance
"Noriega has been instrumental in promoting democracy in troubled parts of the hemisphere and will be remembered for his contributions to all oppressed people in Latin America."-Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, August 30, 2005
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Rights Agency Urges U.S. Not to Deport AIDS Patient
"International law is not going to substitute for domestic policy or domestic law, but it's going to test the limits and push the envelope in the direction of more protections rather than less."- Juan Mendez, former president of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
(Full story)
Source: New York Times, August 28, 2005
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New Latin affairs chief quieter, just as tough
"We are likely to see a change in style, in favor of greater moderation, multilateralism and quiet diplomacy" -Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue.
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, August 18, 2005
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Latin America sees progress
"Notwithstanding the poor economic and social performance of many of Latin America's democratic governments in the past two decades, a solid majority of the region's people still consider democracy the best form of government." -Report, Inter-American Dialogue
(Full story)
Source: Washington Times, August 9, 2005
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Latin ambitions
"The US, it seems, is regaining its diplomatic touch in a region where Washington's prestige and influence has been recently at a low ebb." -Editorial, Financial Times
(Full story)
Source: Financial Times, August 8, 2005
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Looking Beyond CAFTA
"DR-CAFTA may not be a perfect trade vehicle — if one actually exists — but it is an important policy tool to knit the U.S. together with its closest neighbors in the name of homeland security, friendship and common interest. The gains heavily outweigh the concerns." -Bob Graham and Mack McLarty
(Full story)
Source: Washington Times, July 28, 2005
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Bush makes plea to lawmakers for trade agreement passage
"We must support democracy in our neighborhood. And CAFTA will strengthen democracies."- Presidente George W. Bush.
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, July 22, 2005
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OAS installs Suriname diplomat as new Assistant Secretary General
"It is critical not only that representative democracy develop and flourish but that elected officials entrusted with the noble duty of leadership always defend and promote the democratic interests and human rights of the people they serve." - OAS Assistant Secretary General, Albert R. Ramdin.
(Full story)
Source: Caribbean Net News, July 20,2005
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Confidentiality of Journalists' Sources Under Theat
"The right to confidentiality is essential to a journalist's work in performing the important public service of collecting and disseminating information"- Eduardo Bertoni, Special Rapporteur on Free Expression.
(Full story)
Source: IFEX, July 6, 2005
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OAS assembly set stage for future
"I think the progress is satisfactory. These things do not happen overnight." -Shelley McConnell of The Carter Center, speaking about the results of the OAS General Assembly
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, June 9, 2005
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Challenge with an upside
"The test . . . of whether the Bush administration is going to be able to restore some hope to the hemispheric relationship is going to be what happens in Fort Lauderdale and then what happens in the in Mar del Plata" -Luigi Einaudi, OAS Assitant Secretary General
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, June 1, 2005
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OAS chief vows to protect democracy
"We must be able to react and go to the defense of democracy whenever its principles and values collapse." -OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
Source: Orlando Sentinel, May 27, 2005
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Erosion of democracy a challenge for OAS
"To energize the OAS, Mr. Insulza must find a way to achieve consensus among the 34 member nations on a common approach to the endangerment of democracies, to turn from reaction to prevention." -The Miami Herald
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald Editorial, May 8, 2005
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New OAS chief's top priority: defending democracy
"We cannot simply keep arriving late when there is a crisis. We must find ways to find out about problems before they happen, so that we can act before the crises take place."- OAS Secretary General-elect, José Miguel Insulza
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, May 5, 2005
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New OAS chief's top priority: defending democracy
"Insulza's overall decision to make the defense of democracy his top priority is the right one, and his democratic credentials are impeccable. Let's hope that the Panzer charges ahead with that agenda at full steam" -Andres Oppenheimer.
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, May 5, 2005
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New leader: 'Critical' time for OAS
"I believe in an institution that is able to reconcile, to mediate, to resolve problems.'' -OAS Secretary General-elect José Miguel Insulza.
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, May 3, 2005
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OAS mission arrives in Ecuador to discuss unrest
"This visit will seek to gather the points of view of different sectors, so that the conclusions of the mission can help to strengthen the efforts of the Ecuadorean people and authorities in building a strengthened democracy through dialogue." -OAS Acting Secretary General Luigi R. Einaudi
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, April 27, 2005
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U.S. Message Hard Sell for Rice in Latam
"We must do all that we can to ensure that nations which make the hard choices and do the hard work to join the free world deliver on the high hopes of their citizens. In Latin America ... we therefore face the twin challenges of helping to bolster democracy and alleviate poverty." - U.S.Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
(Full story)
Source: Reuters, April 24, 2005
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Can an evenly split OAS come out stronger?
"Both Mr. Insulza and Mr. Derbez are highly qualified individuals, capable of ensuring that the OAS fulfils its mandate as the premier forum for multilateral dialogue and concerted action in the hemisphere." -Latin America analyst Vladimir Torres
(Full story)
Source: Embassy Magazine, April 13, 2005
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OAS deadlocked in choosing a new leader
"The question now is, are the countries deeply committed to their candidates or to the alliances they perceive their candidates represent?" -Eduardo del Buey, executive director of the Canadian Foundation for the Americas
(Full story)
Source: Globe and Mail, April 12, 2005
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Latin America needs a regional Security Council
``The problem with the OAS is not small states, but lack of political will by all member states to strengthen the organization.''-Ambassador Michael King, Barbados Representative to the OAS.
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, April 7, 2005
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At OAS, Venezuela's draft of rights charter irks U.S.
"The Social Charter is much harder to negotiate than the Democratic Charter."- Jorge Chen, Mexican ambassador to the OAS.
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, April 1, 2005
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World Bank meets to appoint Wolfowitz new head
"Let us see his decisions and then judge him on performance rather than on ideology," -Fernando Henrique Cardoso, former Brazilian president.
(Full story)
Source: Reuters, March 31, 2005
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Trade deal signed with Mexico, Canada
"The future of our three countries will best be served by establishing trade relations with the rest of the hemisphere," -U.S. President George W. Bush
(Full story)
Source: Houston Chronicle, March 24, 2005
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Latin American human rights support weakening
"The best way to secure respect for human rights at home is by supporting international pressure against human rights abusers. If we weaken our support for human rights internationally, in the long run we are weakening human rights at home." -former Mexican Foreign Minister Jorge Castañeda
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, March 21, 2005
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Region Divided in Three by Race for OAS Leadership
"There has never been such a hard-fought race in the history of the OAS." -Francisco Espino, Mexican academic
(Full story)
Source: IPS News Service, March 18, 2005
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Fullest involvement essential in fighting human trafficking
"Undoubtedly, the fact is that corruption within governmental entities can contribute to the global trafficking in women and children in numerous ways" - Suriname OAS Ambassador Herry Lothar Illes.
(Full story)
Source: Caribbean Net News, March 15 2005
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15 years of restored democracy
"Chile's evolution from a conflictive society polarized by radically opposed ideologies to a prosperous, consensus-based democracy also reflects one of the most successful transitions to democracy anywhere." - Peter DeShazo, Center for Strategic and International Studies.
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, March 11 2005
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Latin America taking left turn
"Whether it is left, right, right-of-center, left-of-center, as long as it's within the democratic structure of these countries, I think the United States has to respect that." - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
(Full story)
Source: Washington Times, March 10 2005
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Bolivia President Withdraws Threat to Quit
"We have been given a new opportunity. The country is clamoring for us to work together.I want Bolivians to support their president." - Bolivian President Carlos Mesa
(Full story)
Source: Reuters March 9 2005
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Latin America Leans Clean- Editorial
"The OAS should start to ostracize countries with the worst corruption records, the way it does for undemocratic behavior. Once official corruption is not seen as inevitable, eradicating it will quickly follow."
(Full story)
Source: Christian Science Monitor, March 7 2005
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Latin America Defies Old Labels
The differences among governments in Latin America are instructive. To merely lump it all together as leftism sweeping the region can easily blind outsiders — including U.S. officials — to nuances that matter a great deal.
(Full story)
Source: Commentary, LA Times March 1, 2005
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Aim 'charm offensive' at Latin America
To some extent, the United States will continue to be distracted by its wars against terrorism and in Iraq and Afghanistan. But those obligations shouldn't preclude extending a more helpful hand to its closest neighbors.
(Full story)
Source: Columnist John C. Bersia, Orlando Sentinel, February 28
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U.S. should seek partnership with Americas, panel urges
"I am not optimistic that Latin America will become a top priority for the United States," said former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, February 25, 2005
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Latin American economies show rapid growth rates
"It's a good juncture. Reforms are taking place. I think the region has every reason to be optimistic." (Anoop Singh of the International Monetary Fund)
(Full story)
Source: Reuters
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OAS should focus on institutions, Chilean candidate says
José Miguel Insulza said the OAS should be "vigilant" in protecting democracy in the hemisphere but ought to focus more on forging sound institutions. "Otherwise, we will continue going from crisis to crisis, without dealing with the true threats and keeping the structural weaknesses that make us vulnerable to populism, authoritarianism and indifference by our people."
(Full story)
Source: Knight Ridder
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Agreement Promotes Sustainable Development in Amazon Basin
"Anything we do in the Amazon affects climate change, and influences tsunamis in Asia. It affects the entire world." (Rosalía Arteaga, Secretary-General of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, speaking at the OAS about the new agreement)
(Full story)
Source: Washington File
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U.S. backs Flores
"He is a Central American visionary, fresh and creative in his outlook, who deeply appreciates the benefits of regional action and hemispheric unity." (Roger Noriega, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, in endorsing Francisco Flores, a former President of El Salvador, for OAS Secretary General)
(Full story)
Source: Washington Times
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Rigoberta Menchu to seek OAS chair
The possibility of competing for the post of OAS Secretary General "would fill me with deep pride for the honor it would mean for Guatemala," the Nobel laureate said.
(Full story)
Source: UPI, January 11, 2005
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Race to Lead OAS Highlights Group's Growing Clout
"It's the one big job in the hemisphere, apart from the Inter-American Development Bank, that pulls together all the countries. Whether it has power or authority depends on it having a substantial leader." Sidney Weintraub, Center for Strategic and International Studies
(Full story)
Source: Los Angeles Times, December 31, 2004
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Hemisphere Divided Over OAS Leadership Race
”The race is getting more interesting. The continental integration we hear so much about could take quite a beating from the whole process, but it's healthy to have this kind of open competition, where everyone has their cards on the table.” -Jorge Chabat, international affairs analyst at Mexico's Centre for Economic Research and Education
(Full story)
Source: IPS News Agency, December 18, 2004
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CHILE’S INSULZA IN LINE FOR TOP OAS JOB
“What we are proposing with the name of José Miguel Insulza is the possibility of obtaining an international organization at the service of the concrete and real problems that are on the international agenda.” -Chilean President Ricardo Lagos
(Full story)
Source: Santiago Times, December 13, 2004
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Court Orders Record Payout for Guatemala Massacre
"It sets a precedent for this type of massive violation; we have never before sentenced for so many victims." -Spokesman for the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which ordered Guatemala to pay nearly $8 million in compensation to survivors of a 1982 massacre
(Full story)
Source: Reuters, December 9, 2004
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Derbez proposed for top OAS post
"He is credible, he is respected, and, from my point of view, he is a great leader who will bring a wonderful dynamic to the Organization of American States."
President Vicente Fox of Mexico, announcing the candidacy of Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Ernesto Derbez to the post of OAS Secretary General
(Full story)
Source: El Universal, Mexico, December 8, 2004
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Reaction to Court Decision
"This has hit the rebel groups hard. They're all dressed up for the party, and there's no cake." -Raul Gonzales, researcher of the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, speaking about the Inter-American Court of Human Rights' recent decision in the case of U.S. citizen Lori Berenson
(Full story)
Source: Bloomberg, December 6, 2004
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Peru Says Court Upholds Berenson Sentence
"Fortunately, the intelligence, balance and experience of the court judges has ratified the sentence." -Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo, saying that the Inter-American Court of Human Rights has upheld the sentence for Lori Berenson, a U.S. citizen imprisoned on terrorism charges
(Full story)
Source: Reuters, December 2, 2004
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TO FIX THE U.N.
One option would be to allocate two veto-holding seats to the Organization of American States, one to remain with the United States with the other rotating among the Latin nations.
(Full story)
Source: New York Post, November 28, 2004
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U.S. likely to back Salvadoran for OAS post
"We continue to think that there is reason and strong argument for a Central American secretary general." -U.S. Ambassador to the OAS, John Maisto
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, November 24, 2004
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Toledo talks top Peru judge out of resignation
"After talking to the president and considering that he asked me, in the name of the nation, to reconsider ... I have decided to withdraw my resignation." -Peruvian judge Guillermo Cabala, responding to a controversy involving the terrorism conviction of Lori Berenson, a U.S. citizen whose case will be heard by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
(Full story)
Source: Reuters, November 23, 2004
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Bush plans stop to talk with Uribe
President George W. Bush's stopover for talks with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe "is clearly a message of support for the country, and a message that the policy of democratic security is producing results." -Luis Alberto Moreno, Colombia's ambassador to the United States.
(Full story)
Source: Houston Chronicle, November 22, 2004
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Bomb kills Venezuela deputy attorney general
"I'm absolutely certain that all ... public and non public institutions and all peace-loving organizations that are seeking alternative solutions in our country will join us in this investigation." -Venezuelan Attorney General Isaias Rodriguez
(Full story)
Source: AFP, November 19, 2004
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John Maisto, U.S. Ambassador to the OAS, speaking to World Affairs Council:
"Strengthening democratic institutions, fighting corruption, combating terrorism, investing in people, improving education and health, protecting human rights, implementing economic reform and improving the environment--these commitments form the basis for an ambitious hemispheric agenda. Stability in the region can only be built on a foundation of hope."
(Full story)
Source: Scoop
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Caricom's OAS moment
As some Caribbean OAS watchers see it, it would be in the interest of the legitimacy of the OAS that the election of a new Secretary General be treated as a matter of priority.
(Full story)
Source: Trinidad & Tobago Express.
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Don't muzzle an effective watchdog
The (Inter-American Human Rights Commission) must be shielded from political interference to properly defend human rights in the Americas.
(Full story)
Source: Editorial, Miami Herald, Nov. 1, 2004
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Probe of rights abuses unlikely to sway Cuba
"Large-scale violations of public freedom continue in Cuba, particularly for the right to political participation and of free expression, and the systematic repression against dissidents, human rights activists and independent journalists." -José Zalaquett, President, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald
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Honduran President Calls for Strengthening OAS
"United we can accomplish incredible feats." -Honduran President Ricardo Maduro, noting that in an age of globalization, greater cooperation is needed among OAS member countries
(Full story)
Source: Voice of America, October 22, 2004
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Strong candidates for top OAS job are emerging
To overcome its current crisis and help avert new threats to democracy in the region, the OAS needs a political heavyweight who is also an activist for democracy and human rights.
(Full story)
Source: Andrés Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, October 14, 2004
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A long road to recovery in Haiti
It’s a desperate situation that demands the attention of Haiti’s neighbors in the Western Hemisphere. It’s time for the haves to swiftly come to the aid of the have-nots.
(Full story)
Source: The Press and Sun-Bulletin, Binghamton, N.Y., October 7, 2004
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Candidate for Assistant Secretary General of the OAS Addresses Members of Congress
Secretary General César Gaviria on recent developments in Venezuela:"It is regrettable that the opposition has found so many objections to the results of the referendum."
(Full story)
Source: Miami Herald, Tuesday, September 14, 2004.
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The New Zealand Herald: President Chavez foes seek probe into Venezuela vote
"Opposition leaders met OAS Secretary-General Cesar Gaviria in Washington to give him a report they said showed a pattern of irregularities and cheating in the August 15 recall vote (...) The OAS passed a resolution last month endorsing the referendum results after its election observers said they found no evidence of fraud. (...) Many analysts say the allegations presented by opponents of Chavez so far appeared to consist mostly of accusations and suppositions, rather than incontrovertible evidence of fraud."
(Full story)
Source: The New Zealand Herald, New Zealand, Friday, September 10, 2004.
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Carter Center ignores Sumate and Ricardo Hausmann's statistics tests
"The result is that an Organization of American States (OAS) statistics expert, independent statistician John Taylor (Stanford) and Aviel Rubin (John Hopkins) have concluded that the results of their research do not prove fraud. Taylor says he did find an error in one of the analysis models that reduces the anticipated number of repetitions, adding that the results are within the statistical probabilities."
(Full story)
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Source: THE ECONOMIST
By invitation--What really happened in Venezuela?
"A senior election observer, Jennifer McCoy , gives an insider's account of last month's controversial referendum on Hugo Chávez".---
"OPPONENTS of President Hugo Chávez have claimed that fraud thwarted their recent attempt to remove him from office in a recall referendum. Venezuela's election agency declared that Mr Chávez won the referendum by 59% to 41%. How can we assess these competing claims?"
(Full story)
The Economist-USA- September 3, 2004--By invitation--Jennifer McCoy directed the Carter Center's observer mission in Venezuela and is a Latin America expert at Georgia State University in Atlanta.
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CNA News: ROC PRESIDENT HOPES TAIWAN CAN BECOME OAS OBSERVER
"Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday that if Taiwan can become an observer of the Organization of American States (OAS), it would boost Taiwan's trade and business exchanges with Central America. Chen, who is on a two-day state visit to the Central American country, made the remarks when he met with Miguel Angel Rodriguez, who will serve as OAS secretary-general later this month, as well as leaders from the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras and Haiti."
(Full story)
Source: CNA News, Taiwan, September 2, 2004.
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Source: International Herald Tribune, Globalist: Bush shifts expectations for war against terror, by Roger Cohen , August 31, 2004.
Republican Platform as it was quoted by the New York Times' journalist Roger Cohen in the International Herald Tribune: "Republicans are guided by the conviction that no nation can build a safer, better world alone," it says. "In addition to NATO, the Organization of American States, and other long-standing alliances, the United States is committed to lasting institutions like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization."
(Full story)
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Source: The Canadian Press/AP
"The Haitian interim government has signed an agreement with the United Nations and Organization of American States to organize elections next year and already has $9 million in U.S. aid available to help cover costs."
(Full story)
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) August 24, 2004
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