OAS to Send Special Mission to Guatemala

Remarks by United States’ Permanent Representative   Ambassador Frank Mora  Remarks before the Special Permanent Council Meeting  July 26, 2023  Thank you, Madam Chair, for convening this special session of the Permanent Council.  It is unfortunate that we are here again today to discuss the on-going political situation in Guatemala.    While we continue to hold …

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OAS Permanent Council Addresses Situation in Guatemala

Remarks by Ambassador Francisco O. Mora July 19, 2023 Thank you, Chair for including this item on today’s order of business. As we all know, on June 25, in the most internationally and domestically observed election in Guatemalan history, the Guatemalan people freely chose Sandra Torres and Bernardo Arévalo as the two candidates to participate …

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Secretary Blinken Addresses the OAS General Assembly

Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Organization of American States General Assembly Third Plenary Session REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE OAS HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON, D.C. JUNE 23, 2023 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Mr. President, thank you very, very much. Secretary General, colleagues: Buenos días. Bonjour. Bom día. It is again very good to be with everyone …

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U.S. Senate Hosts Meeting to Bolster Regional Inter-parliamentary Cooperation under the OAS Legislative Engagement Act

Remarks by Ambassador Francisco O. Mora Russell Senate Office Building May 18, 2023 Good afternoon. On behalf of the United States Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States, I want to thank you all for joining us today. I especially want to thank Senators Cardin and Wicker for hosting this event, and for their …

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World Press Freedom Day 2023

Remarks by Deputy Assistant Secretary Enrique Roig May 3, 2023 Thank you, Mr. Chair and distinguished excellencies for the chance to join you for this commemoration of World Press Freedom Day. My name is Enrique Roig. As a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, I am honored …

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Keynote Remarks by Special Advisor Christopher Dodd to Protocolary Session of the OAS Permanent Council on the Occasion of Pan American Week

Keynote Remarks by Special Advisor Christopher Dodd to Protocolary Session of the OAS Permanent Council on the Occasion of Pan American Week Monday, April 17, 2023 Mr. Secretary General, thank you for the wonderful welcome. I’m privileged to be here. Thank you also Ambassador Washington Abdala — and to the distinguished members of the Permanent …

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OAS Commemorates World Down Syndrome Day

Remarks by Alison Barkoff Acting Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging, Administration for Community Living U.S. Department of Health and Human Services March 29, 2023 Thank you for the opportunity to be here to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day and discuss the importance of the self-determination, autonomy and full participation of people with Down syndrome …

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Inter-American Court of Human Rights Reports on the State of Contempt by the Nicaraguan Government

Remarks by Ambassador Francisco O. Mora March 29, 2023 Chair, colleagues, I want to first thank the Inter-American Court of Human Rights for its update and report today. While the United States is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, we welcome the Court’s continued calls for the Government of …

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OAS Expresses Solidarity with Ukraine

Remarks by Ambassador Francisco O. Mora OAS Permanent Council February 22, 2023 Last year, President Biden said: “An overwhelming majority of nations recognize that Putin is not only attacking Ukraine, he is attacking the very foundations of global peace and security and everything the United Nations stands for.”  And as we know in this Permanent …

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Member States Issue Declaration on Nicaragua

Today the United States joined with other OAS member states condemning the moves of the government of Nicaragua to revoke the citizenship of many of the 222 political prisoners just released by the government of Nicaragua. Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all individuals have a right to a nationality, …

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OAS Adopts Resolution on Haiti

Remarks by Francisco O. Mora OAS Permanent Council February 10, 2023 Thank you, Mr. Chairman and distinguished Foreign Minister. The United States welcomes the convocation of today’s Special Session of the Permanent Council. We also appreciate the initiative of Haiti providing for the adoption of a new and timely resolution regarding the challenging situation there. …

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OAS Addresses the Situation in Haiti

Remarks by Thomas R. Hastings Deputy Chief of Mission OAS Permanent Council February 1, 2023 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We appreciate the inclusion of this topic on today’s agenda, and welcome this initiative on the part of the Delegation of Haiti. The United States is encouraged by the actions of the Haitian government, various other …

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International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Remarks by Thomas R. Hastings Deputy Chief of Mission OAS Permanent Council February 1, 2023 Mr. Chair, I take the floor under Other Business to highlight the commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which was designated as January 27 by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005. We mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day by honoring …

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Ambassador Mora is Administered the Oath of Office

Remarks by Francisco O. Mora Swearing-in Ceremony January 13, 2023 I’m so grateful and honored to see all of you here today.  You all had a part in this journey that culminated in the oath I took a few moments ago.  I look forward to thanking each of you in person and hope to continue …

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Ambassador Mora Delivers Inaugural Address

Remarks by Ambassador Francisco O. Mora OAS Permanent Council January 18, 2023 Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary General, Mr. Assistant Secretary General, distinguished members of the Council, Permanent Observers, OAS staff, friends, and members of civil society: I am honored to come before you as the new Permanent Representative of the United States. I am grateful …

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Ambassador Mora Presents Credentials at OAS

Remarks by Ambassador Francisco O. Mora Organization of American States January 18, 2023 Secretary General Almagro, Assistant Secretary General Mendez, Ambassador and Chairman Anthony Phillips-Spencer, distinguished ambassadors, alternate representatives, observers, members of the Secretariat – I am deeply grateful and honored to be here today representing the United States of America before the Organization of …

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Remarks by Jay Gilliam Senior LGBTQI+ Coordinator U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) November 15, 2022 Thank you, Excellency.  My name is Jay Gilliam, and I use the pronouns he/him/his. I am the Senior LGBTQI+ Coordinator in the U.S. Agency for International Development or USAID. At the outset, and on the behalf of the U.S. …

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OASGA Resolution on Promotion of inter-American Parliamentary Engagement

  General Assembly Resolution Promotion of inter-American Parliamentary Engagement BEARING IN MIND Article 3 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which states that “essential elements of representative democracy include, inter alia, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, access to and the exercise of power in accordance with the rule of law, the holding of periodic, free, …

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OASGA Statement on Venezuela

STATEMENT “SITUATION IN THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA” (Read by the Permanent Representative of Canada to the OAS, Ambassador Hugh Adsett, on behalf of the delegations of Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, United States of America, Paraguay, and Uruguay, during the fourth plenary session of the fifty-second regular session of the OAS General …

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OASGA Declaration on Ukraine

The undermentioned Member States of the Organization of American States (OAS) make the following statement at the Fifty-Second Regular Session of the General Assembly of the OAS in Lima, Peru, on October 6, 2022 (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, …

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OASGA Resolution on Nicaragua

RESOLUTION THE POLITICAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS CRISIS IN NICARAGUA THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,   REAFFIRMING the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS), which states that “representative democracy is indispensable for the stability, peace and development of the region”; RECALLING the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which states that “the promotion …

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Remarks Before the Canada-Hosted Meeting on Haiti / OASGA Resolution

REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE LIMA CONVENTION CENTER LIMA, PERU OCTOBER 6, 2022 SECRETARY BLINKEN:  We deeply appreciate Canada’s leadership in convening what is an incredibly timely and critical discussion on the situation in Haiti which builds on important discussions that we’ve had on Haiti on the margins of the UN General Assembly and at the senior-level international partners meetings …

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken before the Meeting with Cuban, Venezuelan, and Nicaraguan Human Rights Defenders

REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE CHIEF OF MISSION RESIDENCE LIMA, PERU OCTOBER 6, 2022 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, thank you all so much for joining us today for this conversation. We have some remarkable colleagues from Nicaragua and Cuba and Venezuela who are all serving as human rights defenders, making sure, to the best of their ability, that people in …

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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Organization of American States Secretary General Almagro

READOUT OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON OCTOBER 6, 2022 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Organization of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro in Lima, Peru on the margins of the 52nd OAS General Assembly. Secretary Blinken expressed U.S. support for Secretary General Almagro’s efforts …

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro at the Ministerial Meeting of the Summit Implementation Review Group

REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE LIMA CONVENTION CENTER LIMA, PERU OCTOBER 6, 2022 SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good morning, everyone.  It’s wonderful to see so many colleagues here this morning.  Thank you, everyone, for attending.  And Secretary General, wonderful to be with you.  We have a very busy day ahead, but I’m very grateful that everyone has agreed to start with …

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Lanzamiento del Proyecto de la OEA Mujeres Económicamente Empoderadas para Sociedades Equitativas y Resilientes

Thomas R. Hastings Representante de Estados Unidos, Interino Agosto 29, 2022 Señores Viceministros y representantes de El Salvador, Guatemala y Honduras, Representantes permanentes de los de los países del norte de Centroamérica ante la OEA. Secretaria Ejecutiva para el Desarrollo Integral – Kim Osborne, Representantes de Meta y CENPROMYPE. Mi nombre es Thomas Hastings. En …

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OAS Resolution Condemns Ortega Regime in Nicaragua

Remarks by Tom Lersten Charge d’Affaires, a.i. U.S. Permanent Mission to the OAS August 12, 2022 Thank you to our fellow delegations for convening today’s timely special session of the Permanent Council. Madam Chair, I also want to thank the expert speakers from the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua (GHREN) as well as …

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OAS Launch of Women’s Economic Empowerment Program – Caribbean

Remarks by Erin Boyer U.S. Permanent Mission to the OAS Introduction of Ambassador Tagliatela August 4, 2022 Good afternoon, distinguished delegates, members of the OAS Secretariat, excellencies and government representatives, and guests.  Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.    On behalf of the United States Department of State and the U.S. Mission …

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Summit of the Americas Compendium

Summit of the Americas Compendium ARTICLE INDEX Fact Sheets, Deliverables, and Remarks Democracy and Governance Economic Recovery and Prosperity Food Security Migration Climate and Green Energy Health Joint Statements and Announcements Meeting Remarks and Readouts Background Calls, Interviews, & Press Avails Summit of the Americas PD Deliverables Fact Sheets, Deliverables, and Remarks Democracy and Governance FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Advances Democratic Renewal Agenda at the Ninth Summit of the Americas Economic Recovery and Prosperity FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks at the Economic and Health Dialogue of the Americas Food Security Summit of the Americas Agriculture Producers Declaration FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Commitments to Advance Food Security in the Western Hemisphere Migration Remarks by President Biden at Endorsement Event for the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection Fact Sheet: The Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection U.S. Government and Foreign Partner Deliverables Fact Sheet:  Global Concessional Financing Facility (GCFF) Fact Sheet: Additional $314 Million for U.S. Humanitarian Response to the Venezuela Regional Crisis Fact Sheet: The United States Announces More Than $314 Million in New Stabilization Efforts and Humanitarian Assistance for Venezuelans and Other Migrants at the Summit of the Americas Press Release: U.S. Department of Agriculture to Invest up to $65 Million in Pilot Program to Strengthen Food Supply Chain, Reduce Irregular Migration, and Improve Working Conditions for Farmworkers News Release: DHS and DOL to Supplement the H-2B Cap with Additional Visas for Second Half of Fiscal Year 2022 | Homeland Security Press Release:    US Department of Labor issues ‘Fair Recruitment Guidance’ as part of multi-agency effort to promote ethical recruitment of temporary migrant workers | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov) News Release: “Guidance on Fair Recruitment Practices for Temporary Workers .” Fact Sheet: U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for Haitians Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet: DHS Resumes Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) Program and Haitian Family Reunification Parole (HFRP) Program Operations Fact Sheet: DHS Resumes Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) Program and Haitian Family Reunification Parole (HFRP) Program Operations | Homeland Security Fact Sheet: Implementation of the Credible Fear and Asylum Processing Interim Final Rule Background Press Call by a Senior Administration Official Previewing the Summit of the Americas Migration Deliverables and Accomplishments Climate and Green Energy FACT SHEET: Vice President Harris Launches the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) FACT SHEET: Tackling Climate Change and Creating Clean Energy Jobs in the Americas The United States, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama Sign a Memorandum of Understanding in Support of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor (CMAR) Secretary Antony J. Blinken Press Availability at the Summit of Americas : Five countries (Argentina, Brazil, Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados) joined 15 existing members of the Renewable Energy in Latin America and the Caribbean (RELAC) initiative Health Fact Sheet: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Action on COVID-⁠19 Pandemic Response and Improving Health Systems and Health Security in the Americas The United States Establishes Complementary Mechanisms to Bolster Resiliency of the Hemisphere’s Health Economies and Ecosystems Joint Statements …

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Peru’s Foreign Minister Announces Plans to Host the OASGA

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative June 30, 2022 Excellency, the United States thanks you for your presentation and we very much look forward to the first in-person OASGA in two years in Lima. We are also delighted that Peru has decided to put the issues of racial, gender, and ethnic equity …

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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Beth Van Schaack on Strengthening the ICC

Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Beth Van Schaack OAS Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs Technical Working Meeting to Strengthen Cooperation with the International Criminal Court June 16, 2022 Thank you, Madame Chair. Let me begin by thanking the esteemed panelists for their thoughtful remarks. I look forward to hearing the remarks by the delegations today. …

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Presidential Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance, 2022

Presidential Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance, 2022   June 17, 2021 After the Union Army captured New Orleans in 1862, slave owners in Confederate states migrated to Texas with more than 150,000 enslaved Black persons.  For 3 years, even after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved Black Americans in Texas remained in brutal …

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Presidential Proclamation on National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2022

A Proclamation on National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2022   May 31, 2022 America’s strength has always been rooted in our diversity.  Since our Nation’s founding, generation after generation of immigrants have helped build this country, and the prosperity and opportunity that draw so many immigrants to America would not be possible without the contributions and legacies …

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Readout of President Biden’s Meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada

June 9, 2022 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada in Los Angeles on the margins of the Ninth Summit of the Americas to review regional cooperation on economic development, the COVID-19 pandemic, migration, and food insecurity. The President and Prime Minister underscored their commitment to continue holding …

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Secretary Blinken and OAS Secretary General Almagro At a Meeting of the Summit Implementation Review Group

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  This is the great power of being the chair.  Again, welcome, everyone.  Good morning.  Welcome to Los Angeles.  It is wonderful to see my fellow ministers, all of your teams here for the Ninth Summit of the Americas.  And welcome to each of you.  Welcome to the Summit Implementation Review Group Ministerial. For …

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Secretary Blinken Panel Discussion at the Media Summit of Americas Session: “A Commitment to Journalistic Freedom”

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very much. Well, good evening, everyone, and it is wonderful to be in Los Angeles, and particularly wonderful to be here in this extraordinary building. And I want to start by saying thank you, thank you, thank you to Arizona State’s Cronkite School of Journalism, to USC’s Annenberg School of Journalism, …

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OAS Office Closure in Nicaragua

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative April 27, 2022 Thank you Chair. The Ortega regime’s forcible occupation of a diplomatic facility illustrates once again its utter contempt for the peaceful, rules-based order in the Americas, and for this Council. As the Secretary General has pointed out, the regime’s decision to send police …

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OAS Suspends Russia’s Status as Permanent Observer

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative April 21, 2022 Thank you, Madam Chair. Let me start by recognizing Antigua and Barbuda’s and Guatemala’s leadership on this resolution, and all others who co-sponsored this resolution. The impact of the Kremlin’s unprovoked and exceptionally-brutal war against Ukraine is clear. Thousands of civilians killed, more …

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OAS Resolution Condemns Russia’s Continued War Against Ukraine

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States March 25, 2022 Thank you, Chair.  We express our solidarity with the people and Government of Ukraine.  As Secretary Blinken mentioned previously, “in this time of uncertainty, we have a clear way forward:  Help Ukraine defend itself.  Support the Ukrainian people.  Hold Russia …

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OAS Commemorates Inter-American Week for People of African Descent

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States March 25, 2022 Thank you, Chair. I would like to first congratulate the Chair of the Permanent Council, the OAS Assistant Secretary General Nestor Mendez, and the OAS Secretariat for organizing this important meeting to commemorate the International Day of remembrance of the …

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OAS Member States Condemn Russian Attack on Ukraine

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative February 25, 2022 Chairman, thank you for coordinating this vital session of the Permanent Council as the situation in Ukraine rapidly evolves. To start,  it is no accident that I am wearing blue and yellow today. These are the colors of the Ukrainian flag, and our …

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OAS Member States Demand the Immediate Release of Political Prisoners in Nicaragua

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative OAS Permanent Council February 18, 2022 Thank you, Chair.  The United States is pleased to join the statement read on behalf of 26 OAS member states.  The presentations today are a grave reminder that the circumstances in Nicaragua are only getting worse by the day, to the point where Ortega’s repression …

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United States Condemns Russian Aggression at OAS Permanent Council

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative February 2, 2022 Chairman, I would like to take the opportunity to briefly comment on Russia’s miliary buildup in and around Ukraine and its impact on the Western Hemisphere. Russia’s actions threaten a renewed crisis not only for Ukraine, but for the wider world.  Russian aggression puts …

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MEMBER STATES CONDEMN NICARAGUA’S VIOLATION OF INTERPOL RED NOTICE IN HARBORING IRANIAN OFFICIAL IMPLICATED IN THE 1994 AMIA TERRORIST BOMBING

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative January 19, 2022 Thank you Chair, and thank you Argentina for bringing this important matter to our attention.  The United States is pleased to join this statement.   We fully support Argentina’s efforts to see justice done in AMIA case and condemn Rezaei’s visit to Nicaragua and to our hemisphere as an affront …

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OAS Adopts Resolution on Nicaragua Invoking the Democratic Charter

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States December 8, 2021 Thank you, Chair.  We would like to thank all the OAS delegations that voted in favor of this resolution today.  The United States believes this resolution sets a clear path for Nicaragua to return to democracy and respect for human rights.    While the United States regrets that Nicaragua took steps to withdraw from the OAS, member states must remain engaged and do all we can to uphold our collective commitments under the Inter American Democratic Charter.  In fact, Nicaragua must still meet its commitments under the Charter despite its recent efforts to withdraw.   The region and the international community must continue to stand together with the Nicaraguan people in support of their right to freely choose their representatives.    Nicaragua joined the Charter twenty years ago, through which we all resolved that the peoples of the Americas  have a right to democracy, and their governments, including the Nicaraguan government, have an obligation …

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Permanent Council Assesses Nicaragua Under the Democratic Charter

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative November 29, 2021 Thank you, Chair, Secretary General Almagro, ASG, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.  We thank our distinguished subject matter experts this afternoon for their powerful presentations.  The United States joins an overwhelming majority of OAS Member States in continuing to hold accountable President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo for defrauding the …

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OAS General Assembly Adopts Declaration on Haiti

DECLARATION ON THE SITUATION IN HAITI The Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Heads of Delegation of the OAS RECALL resolution CP/RES. 1168 (2315/21) of March 17, 2021, establishing the Good Offices Mission with a mandate to facilitate political dialogue with a view to achieving free and fair elections, which presented its report to the Permanent …

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OAS General Assembly Condemns the Ortega-Murillo Regime in Nicaragua

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative November 12, 2021 Thank you, Foreign Minister Brolo, Secretary General Almagro, Excellencies, diplomatic colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.  The United States is heartened that so many OAS member states joined today’s resolution, a resolution that demands the release of political prisoners;  makes clear that the so-called elections of November 7 lacked any semblance of democratic legitimacy; and instructs the Permanent Council not only to assess the situation in Nicaragua, but to …

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U.S. Mission to the OAS hosts reception in honor of IACHR candidate Professor Alexandra Huneeus ahead of November 12 election

The U.S. Mission to the OAS hosted a reception in honor of Professor Alexandra Huneeus, U.S. Candidate for Commissioner on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (2022-2025).  Professor Huneeus shared her vision with the 24 delegations in attendance, reiterating her commitment to make the Inter-American System as strong, rigorous, procedurally fair, efficient and impactful a …

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IACHR Condemns Nicaragua Elections

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative November 3, 2021 Thank you, Chair.  We would like to thank the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and particularly Commissioner Antonia Urrejola, President of the IACHR, for this very important and timely presentation.  It outlines what is a very grim outlook for the people of Nicaragua.    As the report makes clear, the human rights situation in …

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OAS Adopts Resolution Condemning Repression in Nicaragua

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States October 20, 2021 Thank you, Chair.  We would like to congratulate all the OAS delegations that voted in favor of this resolution today.  The resolution sends a clear message to President Ortega and Vice President Murillo that their actions will not be tolerated by countries in the Americas.  With the Ortega-Murillo government’s decision to ban the last genuine opposition party, the elections scheduled for November have lost all …

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“Encounter of Two Worlds”

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States October 5, 2021 Thank you, Chair, the United States welcomes the opportunity to come together to recognize the role and contributions of Spain to our hemisphere and the OAS.  In doing so, we acknowledge the Encounter of Two Worlds, el Día de la Hispanidad, Discovery Day, el Día de la Raza, or Columbus Day, as it is still popularly known here in the United …

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20th Anniversary of the Inter-American Democratic Charter

20th Anniversary of the Inter-American Democratic Charter PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 This week, the Americas celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Inter-American Democratic Charter (IADC), a groundbreaking affirmation that the peoples of the Americas have a right to democracy and that the governments of the region have an …

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OAS Special Permanent Council Meeting on Bolivia

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States August 25, 2021 Chair, Secretary General Almagro, Foreign Minister Ambassador Rogelio Mayta, Justice Minister Iván Lima Magne, Permanent Representatives to the Organization of American States, ladies and gentlemen.  The United States thanks the foreign minister and minister of justice for their presentations.  We understand this has been an area of disagreement; however, we stand …

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U.S. Sponsors ACE Colorado 2021

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative August 1, 2021 Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It is a pleasure to be here in Colorado with all of you for the Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE).  I thank Governor Polis for inviting us to his beautiful state of Colorado, a hub of American innovation. Colorado has a special place in my heart, as I served for four …

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OAS Condemns the Assassination of President Jovenel Moise

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS OAS Permanent Council Session on the Assassination of President Jovenel Moise July 7, 2021 Thank you Chair for convening this special meeting of the OAS Permanent Council.   We were shocked and saddened to learn that President Moise was assassinated last night in his …

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Presentation of the Report of the OAS Good Offices Mission to Haiti

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS June 30, 2021 Thank you Chair.  We would like to thank the government of Haiti for its continued cooperation on this matter and for welcoming the OAS Permanent Council delegation June 8-10.  The United States appreciated being a part of this important Mission and …

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IACHR Addresses the Human Rights Situation in Nicaragua

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden, Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Special Meeting of the Permanent Council on Nicaragua June 23, 2021   Thank you, Chair, Mr. Secretary General, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.  Commissioner Antonia Urrejola Noguera, we are deeply grateful for your report.   The Nicaraguan Permanent Representative’s banal rhetoric about a U.S. war on Nicaragua would not normally …

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OAS Resolution Condemns Ortega Regime in Nicaragua

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS OAS Permanent Council Special Session on Nicaragua June 15, 2021 Thank you, Chair, Mr. Secretary General.  It is indeed unfortunate that we find ourselves here today, once again, to discuss the situation of Nicaragua, this despite years of good faith offers by the OAS and its Member States to help Nicaragua ensure that its electoral framework …

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OAS Holds Special Session With Permanent Observers

Remarks by Christina Bruff, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission OAS Permanent Council June 9, 2021 Good afternoon.  I’d like to thank Ambassador Sanders and the delegation of Antigua and Barbuda for convening this special meeting. I would also like to thank the Permanent Observers for their valuable contributions and their continued support of the OAS. The Permanent Observers’ efforts to …

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OAS Addresses the International Criminal Court

Remarks by Christina Bruff, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission June 3, 2021 Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States has listened carefully to the panelists and the delegations today and wishes, in particular, to thank the Prosecutor for her remarks. I want to begin by underscoring the United States’ firm and deep commitment to justice …

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Permanent Council Addresses the Situation in Nicaragua

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States May 12, 2021 Madame Chair, Mr. Secretary General: We thank the Secretary General and the IACHR for their reports. It is unfortunate to hear how things have not improved in the country despite growing international concern. The OAS and OAS Member States have …

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OAS Commemorates Week of Afro-Descendants

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS OAS Permanent Council March 25, 2021 I would like to first congratulate you, Madam Chair, Assistant Secretary General Nestor Mendez,and the OAS Secretariat for organizing this important week, despite all the challenges as we continue to face a global pandemic.    My delegation would also like to thank today’s panelists …

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Permanent Council Adopts Resolution on Haiti

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden, Interim Permanent Representative of the United States OAS Permanent Council March 17, 2021 Thank you Madam Chair. We thank all the delegations that worked so hard to arrive at consensus on this resolution, and in particular Ambassador Edmond, Ambassador Sanders, Ambassador Adsett, and Ambassador Jativa . The United States is …

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The Situation of Freedom of Expression in Nicaragua

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States March 1, 2021 On National Journalist’s Day, the United States stands in support of free and open press in Nicaragua. As we all know, the Ortega regime strangles dissent and violates the Nicaraguan people’s rights to express themselves and to assemble peacefully, even …

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The Americas Competitiveness Exchange

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States Americas Competitiveness Exchange February 26, 2021 Good morning everyone. I am delighted to be here today with OAS Director of Economic Development, Dr. Maryse Robert, to welcome you to the first virtual ACE Meet-Up. A special event we hope will become a regular …

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U.S. Reaffirms Commitment to Global COVID-19 Response

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States OAS Permanent Council February 24, 2021 Madam Chair, Thank you for the opportunity to speak once more today. In connection with the resolution concerning equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, my delegation would like to provide a brief update on U.S. efforts in the …

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OAS Commemorates Day of Women of the Americas

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Interim Permanent Representative of the United States OAS Permanent Council February 24, 2021 Thank you, Madam Chair.  Thank you as well to the Ministers from Colombia, El Salvador, Jamaica, Panama, and St. Lucia.  I would be remiss if I did not also thank CIM Executive Secretary Mora Mora for her …

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Inaugural Address by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

Inaugural Address by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. The United States Capitol 11:52 AM EST THE PRESIDENT: Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, distinguished guests, and my fellow Americans. This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope. Of renewal and …

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General Assembly Adopts Resolution on Venezuela

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo Resolution on Venezuela OAS General Assembly October 21, 2020 The United States is very pleased that the OAS will approve a strong resolution on Venezuela. The facts on the ground clearly show that the OAS must take a strong stand for democracy and human rights in Venezuela. When we look …

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General Assembly Adopts Resolution on Nicaragua’s Political Crisis

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo Resolution on Nicaragua OAS General Assembly October 21, 2020 The United States welcomes the adoption of this resolution, which, in light of recent events in Nicaragua, is so desperately needed. The delegates of this General Assembly who represent the voices of the people of the Americas clearly recognize the threat …

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Dialogue on Venezuela’s Multidimensional Crisis – OASGA 2020

Remarks by Acting Assistant Secretary Michael Kozak Dialogue on Venezuela’s Multidimensional Crisis 50th OAS General Assembly October 19, 2020 Good afternoon, and thank you for the invitation to share the U.S. perspective on the deepening political, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis that is wracking Venezuela. Venezuela today is a shadow of its former self. Once …

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Dialogue with Permanent Observers – OASGA 2020

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo Dialogue with Permanent Observers OAS General Assembly October 19, 2020 Thank you Ambassador Marks. I am honored to be with you today. I would like to thank the Secretary General for his remarks and for his commitment to ensure that Permanent Observers have the voice they deserve at this year’s …

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OAS Holds Special Session on the Situation in Venezuela

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo Permanent Representative of the United States September 29, 2020 Mr. Chair, the United States thanks the presenters for their work and their insightful and persuasive presentations. After these presentations there can be no doubt that the brutal control by illegitimate Maduro regime has resulted in massive human rights violations. Their …

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United States Condemns Nicaragua’s Threats Against The Church and U.S. Ambassador

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States August 7, 2020 Mr. Chairman, my delegation feels compelled to take the floor under other business today to express our serious concern about the terrible arson attack against an historic shrine at the Managua Cathedral last Friday, and recent threats made against leaders …

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Bolivian Foreign Minister Addresses the Permanent Council

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States August 7, 2020 Mr. Chair, the United States is very pleased that Foreign Minister Longaric has addressed the OAS to explain the situation in Bolivia. We have found the Foreign Minister’s discussion to be very valuable to understand the situation in Bolivia. It …

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Permanent Council Marks Week and International Day of Indigenous Peoples

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States August 7, 2020 Mr. Chairman, the United States would like to join with other delegations today in calling attention to the ongoing human rights abuses that members of indigenous peoples face around the world — including within our own hemisphere. Indigenous persons themselves …

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Honoring the Legacy of Congressman John Lewis

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States July 22, 2020 Mr. Chairman, I speak today on behalf of the United States Government in mourning the loss this past week of U.S. Congressman John Lewis. As many of you know, Representative Lewis was an iconic member of the United States Congress …

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Permanent Council Holds Special Meeting on Guyana

Remarks by Bradley A. Freden Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States July 21, 2020 Mr. Chairman, thank you for convening this special session of the Permanent Council. We also commend the Secretary General for his principled and timely request for this session, and for his report today. Let me begin by noting that the …

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Permanent Council Addresses Crisis In Nicaragua

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo OAS Permanent Council June 24, 2020 Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary General: the OAS and the OAS Member States have been enormously patient in waiting for the Ortega regime to meet its basic commitments under the Inter-American Democratic Charter — and its promises to the opposition Civic Alliance to conduct effective …

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Ambassador Trujillo Visits the Dominican Republic

Presidente @DaniloMedina recibe a embajador estadounidense ante la OEA https://t.co/OwP83VMz0U pic.twitter.com/Z7jkv4IV8Q — PresidenciaRD (@PresidenciaRD) March 3, 2020 . @USAmbOAS se reunió con @PresidenciaRD para apoyar el rol de @OEA_oficial en la auditoría y monitoreo de las elecciones. Reiteramos el apoyo a los procesos democráticos libres, justos y transparentes mientras el pueblo de RD resuelve los desafíos de manera pacífica y productiva. pic.twitter.com/7UeueizpMT — EmbajadaUSAenRD (@EmbajadaUSAenRD) …

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Secretary Pompeo Meets with Interim President of Venezuela Guaidó

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo’s Meeting with Interim President Juan Guaidó  Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 6, 2020 The following is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Interim President Juan Guaido of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and underscored our unwavering support for his democratic leadership. The …

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United States Stands with Interim President Guaidó and Venezuela’s Freedom

“As we restore American leadership throughout the world, we are once again standing up for freedom in our hemisphere. That’s why my administration reversed the failing policies of the previous administration on Cuba. “We are supporting the hopes of Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to restore democracy. The United States is leading a 59-nation diplomatic coalition …

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Remembrance Of The 75th Anniversary Of The Liberation Of Auschwitz

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo OAS Permanent Council January 29, 2020 Mr. Chairman, I speak today on behalf of the United States on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp at Auschwitz. At the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, evil found willing servants and innocent victims. For almost five …

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OAS Welcomes the Reelection of Juan Guaido

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo January 10, 2020 Mr. Chairman, we appreciate the work of various delegations around the table for their commitment to address the ongoing challenge to democratic governance in Venezuela, and for bringing our shared concerns to the attention of the Permanent Council this morning. We are pleased to recognize in particular …

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Ambassador Trujillo Addresses the Permanent Council on Bolivia

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo December 18, 2019 Madam Chair, we agree that the OAS Permanent Council should carefully monitor the situation in Bolivia, although the current resolution is actually a distraction from the real problems in Bolivia. The United States would make four broad observations about the resolution. First, the United States completely condemns …

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States Party to Rio Treaty Adopt Resolution on Venezuela

MEETING OF CONSULTATION OF MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS THIRTIETH MEETING OF CONSULTATION OF MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS December 3, 2019 Bogotá, Colombia RC.30/RES. 2/19 THE CRISIS IN THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA AND ITS DESTABILIZING EFFECTS ON THE HEMISPHERE / (Adopted at the plenary session held on December 3, 2019) THE THIRTIETH MEETING OF CONSULTATION …

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Permanent Council Holds Special Session on the Report of the OAS High Level Commission on Nicaragua

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo U.S. Permanent Representative Monday, November 25, 2019 Mr. Chair, Mr. Secretary General: the OAS and the OAS Member States have been enormously patient in pressing the Ortega regime to meet its commitments under the Inter-American Democratic Charter — and its promises to the opposition Civic Alliance to conduct effective dialogue …

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Commerce Assistant Secretary Fleming Addresses CIDI

John Fleming, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, addressed the OAS Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) on November 14, 2019.  In his remarks, he shared U.S. economic development best practices with leaders from across the Western Hemisphere. He also highlighted that through the Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) program, financed by the U.S. Department …

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Remarks on Elections in Dominica

Remarks by Deputy U.S. Permanent Representative Alexis F. Ludwig November 20, 2019 Madam Chair and OAS Ambassadors, the United States is very proud of the role of the OAS in promoting and protecting democracy and free and fair elections throughout the Hemisphere. We strongly believe, as stated in the OAS Charter, that democracy is the foundation …

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OAS Permanent Council Approves Resolution on the Situation in Bolivia

Remarks by Deputy U.S. Permanent Representative Alexis F. Ludwig November 20, 2019 Madame Chair, the United States firmly supports the draft resolution we are considering today. It is the product of wide consultation and hard work among OAS member states that stand for representative democracy and unfailingly strive to uphold the principles that bind us …

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Report of the OAS High-Level Commission on Nicaragua

Report of the OAS High-Level Commission on Nicaragua November 19, 2019 Read the full report  here Executive Summary In keeping with Resolution  AG/RES.2943 (XLIX-O/19) , adopted on June 28, 2019 at the Fourth Plenary Session of the forty-ninth regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), which stated that human rights violations that …

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Joint Declaration on the Situation in Bolivia

November 12, 2019 Taking into account the situation in Bolivia and, particularly, the events of November 10th, 2019, the Governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, USA, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela resolve to: 1. Reject all acts of violence, regardless of their origin, that threaten stability and the …

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OAS Permanent Council Addresses the Situation in Bolivia

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS at the Special Meeting of the Permanent Council on Bolivia November 12, 2019 Madame Chair, the United States is very pleased that the OAS Member States are meeting to discuss the situation in Bolivia. The OAS stands for representative democracy, and …

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Bolivia Electoral Integrity Analysis Preliminary Report

Statement of the Group of Auditors Electoral Process in Bolivia November 10, 2019 Read the full report here . Secretariat for Strengthening of Democracy (SSD) Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation (DECO) Electoral integrity analysis General Elections in the Plurinational State of Bolivia October 20, 2019 PRELIMINARY FINDINGS REPORT TO THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT BACKGROUND On October 30, the OAS General …

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Joint Declaration on the Situation in Bolivia

Joint Declaration on the Situation in Bolivia November 4, 2019 Taking into account the situation in Bolivia and the recent evolution of the electoral process in that country, the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the United States, and Venezuela declare: 1. …

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OAS Permanent Council Holds Special Session on Bolivia

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS at the Special Meeting of the Permanent Council to receive the Foreign Minister of  Bolivia November 4, 2019 Madame Chair, Minister Pary, my fellow Permanent Representatives to the Organization of American States, ladies and gentlemen. The United States has two interests …

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United States Fights Cybercrime with Contribution to Organization of American States Program

MEDIA NOTE Department of State Office of the Spokesperson October 29, 2019 The United States yesterday formalized a contribution of $639,015 to the Organization of American States (OAS) Cybercrime Program, a training and technical assistance initiative carried out in accordance with the mandates of the Meetings of the Ministers of Justice or Other Ministers or …

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OAS Permanent Council Addresses Electoral Crisis in Bolivia

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS at the Special Meeting of the Permanent Council to receive the Foreign Minister of Bolivia, Diego Pary Rodriguez October 24, 2019 Madame Chair, Ministers Pary and Arce, my fellow Permanent Representatives to the Organization of American States, ladies and gentlemen… The …

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Special Session of the Permanent Council Addresses the Situation in Bolivia

Madam Chair, thank you for convening this morning’s Special Session of the Permanent Council. We also appreciate the timely presentation on behalf of the OAS Secretariat, which provided us with important updates regarding electoral and political developments in Bolivia. The United States strongly supports respecting the will of the Bolivian people, as expressed through democratic …

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OAS Approves Declaration on the Defense of Democracy and Social Peace in Ecuador

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo October 15, 2019 Madam Chair, thank you for convening today’s Special Session of the Permanent Council. We also warmly welcome Minister Valencia back to the OAS, and for describing in detail recent developments in his country. We listened with great interest to his presentation. Let me respond by first reiterating …

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United States Announces Contribution for OAS Anti-Corruption Efforts

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo October 4, 2019 Madam Chair, on behalf of the United States government, I am pleased to announce a new $400,000 contribution from the U.S. Department of State to the OAS to help support the full implementation of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption. This new contribution reflects the ongoing U.S. commitment …

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OAS and United States Sign Agreement to Create Inter-American Network on Counterterrorism

October 3, 3019 The Organization of American States (OAS) will launch the Inter-American Network on Counterterrorism, a project aimed at strengthening cooperation between member states to prevent and address terrorist threats in the Western Hemisphere. The information-sharing network, the only one of its kind in the Americas, will operate on a 24/7 basis among OAS …

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Remarks by President Trump to the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Remarks by President Donald Trump United Nations General Assembly New York, New York September 24, 2019 10:12 A.M. EDT PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much.  Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, distinguished delegates, ambassadors, and world leaders: Seven decades of history have passed through this hall, in all of their richness and drama.  Where I stand, the …

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Fact Sheet – Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan Leads U.S. Delegation to Ministerial Meeting of Rio Treaty

FACT SHEET September 23, 2019 Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan Leads U.S. Delegation to Ministerial-level Meeting of Rio Treaty Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan led the U.S. delegation to a ministerial-level meeting of the Rio Treaty on September 23 in New York, NY, convened by the state parties.  This meeting discussed …

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Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan addresses the Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs

Remarks by Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs September 23, 2019 Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. President, Vice-Presidents, and delegates. Today’s meeting of Western Hemisphere democratic countries marks a turning point for the horrific crisis in Venezuela. Your presence here sends a resounding message that freedom …

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Secretary Pompeo Press Statement

The United States Joins the Interim Government of Venezuela and Other Countries in Invoking the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance   PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 The United States joins the Interim Government of Venezuela and ten other countries in invoking the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR). This …

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States Parties to the TIAR Approve Establishment of Organ of Consultation

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo September 11, 2019 Thank you Chair, and we are very pleased that the OAS is discussing this historic opportunity to work with our regional partners to insist on the peaceful restoration of democracy in Venezuela. Colleagues, today is September 11, the anniversary of the terrorist attack that prompted the last …

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OAS Condemns Lifting of Parliamentary Immunity of Venezuelan Deputies

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo September 11, 2019 We appreciate the work of Colombia and other countries bringing this important issue to the attention of the Permanent Council. Colleagues, let us be honest about what we are talking about here: the deliberate and systematic destruction of democracy in Venezuela. The illegitimate Maduro regime has undermined, …

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OAS Addresses Narco-terrorism’s Challenges to Democratic Institutions

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo September 11, 2019 Thank you, Chair, and thank you to Foreign Minister Holmes-Trujillo and to the Government of Colombia for bringing this crucial issue to the attention of the Permanent Council. The United States stands resolutely with the Government of Colombia, President Duque, and the Colombian people in their efforts …

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OAS Remembers 9/11

Remarks by Deputy U.S. Permanent Representative Alexis Ludwig September 11, 2019 Thank you, Madame Chair. I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity of this Permanent Council meeting to mention two signal event that mark this date – September 11 – in our memories. Eighteen years ago today all the member states …

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Remarks by Special Advisor for Religious Minorities Knox Thames

Remarks by Knox Thames State Department Special Advisor for Religious Minorities OAS Permanent Council August 21, 2019 Distinguished Ambassadors, Representatives, and Secretary General Almagro – I want to thank the OAS for setting aside time to mark the first International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. The International …

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OAS Marks 25th Anniversary of the AMIA Bombing

Remarks by Alexis Ludwig July 18, 2019 Madam Chair, I want to begin by thanking the delegation of Argentina for placing this important issue on the agenda of our Permanent Council. Betty Ehrenberg of the World Jewish Congress and Executive Secretary Paulo Abrao, thank you as well for joining us. Colleagues, today we solemnly recall …

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U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams Addresses OAS Press Conference

On July 12, 2019 the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) hosted a press conference on “International Crimes in Venezuela: Extrajudicial Killings, Torture, Political Prisoners and Forced Displacement,” at the headquarters of the Organization in Washington DC. The event include the participation of:  Secretary General Luis Almagro; United States Special Representative for …

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Secretary DeVos Addresses Ministerial Meeting of Education Ministers

Remarks by United States Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos July 8, 2019 Thank you, Mr. Chair. Minister Browne, Madame Executive Secretary, Distinguished Ministers of Education and Heads of Delegation, Ladies and Gentlemen. It’s a pleasure to join all of you today for the 10th Inter-American Education Ministerial meeting. I very much appreciate the opportunity this …

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OAS General Assembly Adopts Resolution on Nicaragua

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo OAS General Assembly Medellin, Colombia June 28, 2019 Thank you Mr. President. The United States is very pleased to support this resolution which strongly condemns the actions of the Nicaraguan Government and calls for the restoration of democracy in Nicaragua. We would like to thank Canada and Chile for co-chairing …

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OAS General Assembly Adopts Resolution on Venezuela

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo OAS General Assembly Medellin, Colombia June 28, 2019 Mr. President, the United States is very pleased to support this resolution accepting the representatives of the democratically elected Venezuelan National Assembly. We welcome the decision of the OAS General Assembly to follow the lead of the OAS Permanent Council, so that …

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49th OAS General Assembly

Remarks by Kimberly Breier Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Plenary Session of the 49th OAS General Assembly Medellin, Colombia June 27, 2019 Thank you very much. I’d like to thank President Duque, Secretary General Almagro, and your respective teams for organizing this 49th General Assembly of the Organization of American States. We appreciate your …

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Remarks by Vice President Pence at Memorial Day Ceremony

Remarks by Vice President Pence Memorial Day Ceremony Arlington Cemetery Arlington, Virginia May 27, 2019 11:32 A.M. EDT  THE VICE PRESIDENT: To Acting Secretary Shanahan, Secretary Wilkie, members of the Cabinet, Secretary Esper, Secretary Wilson, General Dunford, honored guests, especially to the active-duty members of our armed forces, our veterans, and most of all, …

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OAS Permanent Council Condemns Violation of Parliamentary Immunity in Venezuela

On May 13, 2019, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) approved a resolution rejecting “the violation of the parliamentary immunity of representatives of the National Assembly of Venezuela,” and condemning the arrest of the First Vice President of the National Assembly of Venezuela, Edgar Zambrano Ramírez. The document was approved by …

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OAS Addresses the Status of Democracy in Nicaragua

On April 26, 2019, the OAS Permanent Council held a special meeting to address the unconstitutional alteration of the constitutional regime and interruption of the democratic order in Nicaragua, and calling for further OAS action toward the collective defense of democracy in Nicaragua consistent with the terms of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The meeting included …

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The OAS and the Community of Democracies

On April 18, 2019, Thomas E. Garrett, Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, visited OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C. for a courtesy call with OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro and Ambassador Carlos Trujillo, chair of the OAS Permanent Council.  The visit served to highlight regional and global efforts to promote and defend democracy, and …

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Permanent Council Receives the President of Ecuador

It was a pleasure to welcome President Lenin Moreno of Ecuador to the @OAS_Official today. Under his leadership, #Ecuador has been a strong partner in advancing democracy in the Western Hemisphere, in particular in #Venezuela and #Nicaragua . pic.twitter.com/itMfhVAIJJ — Carlos Trujillo (@USAmbOAS) April 17, 2019 Hoy fue un placer darle la bienvenida al Presidente Lenin Moreno de Ecuador a la @OEA_Oficial . Bajo …

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White House Proclamation on Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2019

A PROCLAMATION Issued April 15, 2019 In October 1889, the nations of the Americas convened in Washington, D.C., at the First International Conference of the American States, to strengthen the bonds of friendship among the countries of the Western Hemisphere and to consider opportunities for improved cooperation.  This conference set the foundation for the Organization …

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New Ambassador of Venezuela Presents Credentials

On April 10, 2019, the new Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the Organization of American States (OAS), Gustavo Tarre, presented his credentials to Secretary General Almagro of the hemispheric institution, Luis Almagro in a ceremony at OAS headquarters.  Ambassador Trujillo participated in the ceremony as Chair of the OAS Permanent Council. Secretary General Almagro welcomed …

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Remarks by Vice President Pence at a Special Session of the United Nations Security Council on the Crisis in Venezuela

April 10, 2019 United Nations Headquarters New York, New York 11:06 A.M. EDT THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Mr. Secretary General, Mr. President, to all the members of the Security Council: I am here today, on behalf of the President of the United States of America, to discuss the ongoing crisis in Venezuela and to call on …

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OAS Permanent Council Accepts Appointment of Designated Permanent Representative of Interim President of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó

April 9, 2019 The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) today approved a resolution on the situation in Venezuela in which it resolves to accept the appointment of Mr. Gustavo Tarre as Venezuela’s legitimate permanent representative, pending free and fair elections and the appointment of a democratically elected government. The resolution was …

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OAS Permanent Council Holds Special Session to Consider the Situation in Nicaragua

Remarks by Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States Alexis F. Ludwig April 5, 2019 Thank you Mr. Chairman for convening today’s special session of the Permanent Council to consider recent events in Nicaragua. Thank you also to the panel of experts for your compelling presentations this afternoon. These presentations should spur us all to …

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OAS Hosts Conference: “Roundtable on Economic Prosperity for All: Tourism and the LGBTI Community”

On April 5, 2019, the LGBTI Core Group of the Organization of American States (OAS), in collaboration with the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development, the Department of Social Inclusion of the Secretariat of Access to Rights and Equity and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the OAS, hosted a roundtable on economic prosperity for …

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U.S. Assumes Chair of the OAS Permanent Council

On April 1, 2019, the Permanent Representative of the United States to the Organization of American States (OAS), Carlos Trujillo, assumed the chair of the Permanent Council of the Organization, which rotates every three months.  Ambassador Trujillo called it a “great honor” for his country to hold the position, especially given that it will coincide …

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OAS Approves Resolution on Humanitarian Assistance for the Venezuelan People

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo OAS Permanent Council March 27, 2019 Mr. Chairman, thank you very much for convening today’s special session of the Permanent Council to consider recent events in Venezuela, as well as the worsening humanitarian crisis. We would like to thank the various experts who have provided us with such compelling data …

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Remarks by Vice President Pence and First Lady Fabiana Rosales of the Republic of Venezuela Before Bilateral Meeting

March 27, 2019 Roosevelt Room 10:57 A.M. EDT VICE PRESIDENT PENCE:  Well, thank you all for being here.  It’s my great honor to be able to welcome the First Lady of Venezuela here to the White House.  It is extraordinary to see what Fabiana and her courageous husband, Interim President Juan Guaidó, have done for …

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Remarks on the Release of the 2018 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

Remarks Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Press Briefing Room Washington, DC March 13, 2019  SECRETARY POMPEO: Good morning, everyone. Since America’s founding, the concept of individual rights has been woven into the national fabric. As my friend and scholar Mary Ann Glendon has written, it has given weak members of our society, quote, “an …

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Cuba’s So-Called Referendum

Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC February 26, 2019   On February 24, the Cuban communist regime held what it called a “national referendum” on revisions to its constitution. No one should be fooled by this exercise, which achieves little beyond perpetuating the pretext for the regime’s one-party dictatorship. The entire …

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Remarks by Vice President Pence to the Lima Group | Bogota, Colombia

February 25, 2019 Palacio de San Carlos Bogota, Colombia 11:45 A.M. COT THE VICE PRESIDENT:  President Duque; President Varela; President Morales; and especially the Interim President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, President Juan Guaidó; Vice President Mourão; Your Excellencies: It’s an honor to address this gathering today at a momentous hour for the people …

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OAS Hosts Conference on Cuba

On February 12, 2019, the Organization of American States (OAS) hosted a conference on the undemocratic and illegitimate nature of the Cuban regime’s so called “referendum” on a new constitution and highlighting its inconsistency with regionally accepted norms for democracy and human rights as articulated in the inter-American Democratic Charter.  The event was programmed to …

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Remarks by Vice President Pence at Venezuela Solidarity Event

Remarks by Vice President Pence at Venezuela Solidarity Event   February 1, 2019 Iglesia Doral Jesus Worship Center Doral, Florida 1:37 P.M. EST THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Buenas tardes a todos!  (Applause.)  Thank you, Governor DeSantis; First Lady Casey DeSantis; members of Congress; Ambassador Trujillo; distinguished guests.  Karen and I are so honored to join you …

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Secretary’s Remarks on Venezuela

Remarks on Venezuela Remarks Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Press Briefing Room Washington, DC January 25, 2019   SECRETARY POMPEO: Good afternoon, everyone.Today I am incredibly excited to announce that a seasoned, principled, and tough-minded foreign policy veteran is joining our State Department team. Elliott Abrams is coming aboard to lead our efforts on Venezuela. …

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OAS Member States Issue Joint Statement on Venezuela

January 24, 2019 The delegations of Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and the United States reaffirm the right of the peoples of the Americas to democracy and the obligation of their governments to promote and defend it, as established in Article I …

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Continuing U.S. Diplomatic Presence in Venezuela

Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC January 23, 2019 The United States stands with interim President Juan Guaido, the democratically elected National Assembly, and the people of Venezuela as they peacefully restore constitutional order to their country. We stand ready to support interim President Guaido as he establishes a transitional government …

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OAS Permanent Council Considers the Situation in Nicaragua

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo January 11, 2019 Thank you Mr. Chairman for convening today’s special session of the Permanent Council, at the request of Secretary General Almagro, to address the worsening situation in Nicaragua. We support for his call to action consistent with the spirit and terms of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The worsening …

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Permanent Council Approves Resolution to Not Recognize the Legitimacy of the Maduro Regime

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo January 10, 2019 Mr. Chairman, today is a critical day for those striving to preserve the little that remains of democracy in Venezuela, and for the credibility of the OAS. Today’s sham Presidential inauguration, achieved through a fraudulent election, is another decisive step away from democracy and toward dictatorship by …

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OAS Hosts Conference on Human Rights Violations in Cuba

On December 7, 2018, the Organization of American States (OAS) hosted a conference on the human rights situation in Cuba.  The event, held at OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C., was inaugurated by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro and included dialogues on the regime’s gross and systematic human rights violations, the criminalization of freedom of expression, …

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The Nation Honors the Legacy of President George H.W. Bush

PROCLAMATIONS Presidential Proclamation Announcing the Death of George H.W. Bush Issued on: December 1, 2018 It is my sorrowful duty to announce officially the death of George Herbert Walker Bush, the forty-first President of the United States, on November 30, 2018. President Bush led a great American life, one that combined and personified two of …

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Member State Delegation Visits Colombia – Venezuela Border to Assess Crisis

On November 19-20, 2018, seventeen OAS member states sent representatives to participate in a field visit to two sites along the Colombia – Venezuela border: Maicao, in the Rioacha province, and Cucuta in the Norte de Santander province. The OAS Working Group on Venezuela migration also participated with representation from three experts on the situation. …

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#JailedForWhat? Facebook Live Event Highlights Cuba Human Rights

On November 6, Ambassador Carlos Trujillo, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, interviewed Cuban human rights lawyer, Laritza Diversent, Executive Director of Cubalex during a Facebook Live program to bring attention to human rights violations in Cuba.  The event was part of  the #PresosPorQué / #JailedForWhat? campaign promoted by the State Department’s Bureau …

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Remarks by National Security Advisor Ambassador John R. Bolton on the Administration’s Policies in Latin America Foreign Policy

Miami Dade College Miami, FL November 2, 2018 Thank you very much. It’s a great pleasure, a great honor, to be here today in Miami, and to be with all of you. I can’t thank Ileana Ros-Lehtinen enough. As she said, we’ve known each other many years. We’ve fought a lot of battles together against …

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OAS Permanent Council Nicaragua Working Group Issues Statement

Recalling Permanent Council resolutions CP/RES. 1108 (2172/18), adopted on July 18, 2018, CP/RES. 1109 (2175/18), adopted on August 2, 2018, and CP/RES. 1110 (2182/18), adopted on September 12, 2018, Reaffirming that States have the primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including in the context of assemblies such as …

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Remarks by President Trump to the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly | New York, NY

United Nations Headquarters New York, New York September 25, 2018 10:38 A.M. EDT  THE PRESIDENT: Madam President, Mr. Secretary-General, world leaders, ambassadors, and distinguished delegates: One year ago, I stood before you for the first time in this grand hall. I addressed the threats facing our world, and I presented a vision to achieve …

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OAS Adopts Resolution on Nicaragua

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo September 12, 2018 Thank you Madam Chair for convening another Special Session of this Council.  Our Organization has a responsibility to remain engaged and respond to the situation in Nicaragua — which has shifted to a campaign of intimidation and threats against the government’s perceived opponents. The efforts of our …

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U.S. Mission Highlights Efforts to Advance International Religious Freedom

Remarks by U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback OAS Permanent Council September 5, 2018 I would like to begin by extending my thanks to Ambassador Rita María Hernández Bolaños, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica, for calling this meeting and to our U.S. Mission – represented today by Deputy Permanent Representative Alexis Ludwig, for …

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OAS Permanent Council Holds Special Meeting on Venezuela Migration Crisis

Remarks by Alexis Ludwig Deputy U.S. Permanent Representative September 5, 2018 Thank you Madam Chair, and distinguished presenters. The United States is pleased that the Secretary General, with the support of the Colombian government, has requested the convocation of this important session of the Permanent Council. The United States remains concerned about the struggle Venezuelan …

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Ambassador Haley Chairs Historic UN Security Council Meeting on Nicaragua

Ambassador Haley Chairs Historic UN Security Council Meeting on Nicaragua The United Nations September 5, 2018  Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, chaired a historic UN Security Council briefing this morning on the situation in Nicaragua. This was the first time the Security Council addressed the deteriorating human rights and security …

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Joint Communiqué Between the Working Group on Nicaragua and the Secretary General of the OAS on the Situation in Nicaragua

September 1, 2018 The Working Group for Nicaragua of the Permanent Council of the OAS and the Secretary General of the OAS, Commit to cooperate, each within their respective competencies, to bring to bear all relevant components of the Inter American system to advance a consistent and effective approach to achieve an inclusive and useful …

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OAS Hosts Dialogue on Women’s Economic. Empowerment

Remarks by Ray W. Washburne, President and CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Organization of American States Washington, D.C. August 27, 2018 Thank you Ambassador Trujillo, for inviting OPIC to address this important institution. For more than 70 years, the Organization of American States has served a critical role fostering solidarity and cooperation …

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OAS Hosts Dialogue on Women’s Economic Empowerment

Remarks by White House Adviser ‎Ivanka Trump Organization of American States Washington , D.C. August 27, 2018 Thank you, Ambassador Trujillo, for that kind introduction – and thank you for your commitment to advancing economic opportunities for women throughout our hemisphere. Secretary General Almagro, and distinguished Ambassadors, it is an honor to speak with you …

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Remarks by Ambassador Todd Robinson

Remarks by Ambassador Todd Robinson OAS Permanent Council August 2, 2018 Thank you Madam Chair for convening another Special Session of this Council. Our Organization has a responsibility to respond to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Nicaragua. Madam Chair, the situation continues to worsen by the day. This despite the growing international condemnation of the …

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OAS Condemns Government Sponsored Violence in Nicaragua

Remarks by Ambassador Carlos Trujillo July 18, 2018 Thank you Madam Chair for convening another Special Session of the Council. We have an obligation to respond to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Nicaragua. The situation is worsening day by day. This continues despite the growing international condemnation of the ongoing, government-sanctioned violence and intimidation campaign …

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Americas Competitiveness Exchange Takes Hemispheric Innovators to Germany and Israel

The U.S. Permanent Mission to the OAS, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Organization of American States congratulates the governments of Germany and Israel for hosting this week’s Ninth Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. ACE runs June 24-29 and brings together decision-makers from throughout the Western Hemisphere and …

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United States Candidate Elected to CEJA

Ambassador Carlos Trujillo, U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS, congratulates Jenny Willier Murphy of the United States on her election by OAS foreign ministers to the Board of Directors of the Justice Studies Center of the Americas (CEJA). CEJA is the agency charged by the OAS with assisting OAS member states in their efforts to …

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Remarks by Vice President Pence at Organization of American States Reception

June 4, 2018 Eisenhower Executive Office Building 7:55 P.M. EDT THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you, Deputy Secretary Sullivan.  To Secretary General Almagro, Ambassador Trujillo, and to all the great representatives of freedom-loving nations across the New World: On behalf of the First Family, my wife and I say, welcome to the White House.  (Applause.) …

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An Unfair, Unfree Vote in Venezuela 

Press Statement Mike Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC May 21, 2018 The United States condemns the fraudulent election that took place in Venezuela on May 20. This so-called “election” is an attack on constitutional order and an affront to Venezuela’s tradition of democracy. Until the Maduro regime restores a democratic path in Venezuela through …

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Remarks by Deputy Secretary John Sullivan at the Washington Conference on the Americas

 May 9, 2018 “The United States is committed to being the security partner of choice for the Americas,” said the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan at the  48th Washington Conference on the Americas . The deputy secretary highlighted the importance of U.S. engagement in the hemisphere when it comes to collaborating on issues of security, drug trafficking, …

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Remarks by Vice President Pence During a Protocolary Meeting at the Organization of American States

May 7, 2018 Organization of American States Washington, D.C. 2:05 P.M. EDT THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Ambassador Gonzalez, Secretary General Almagro, Ambassador Trujillo, permanent representatives, distinguished members of Congress, ambassadors, all of our honored guests, it is my great honor to be here in the House of the Americas to address this session of the Organization …

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OAS Permanent Council Commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the Organization of American States

Ambassador Carlos Trujillo Remarks OAS Special Meeting of the Permanent Council Commemoration OAS 70th Anniversary April 30, 2018 Thank you, Mr. Chair, and Mr. Secretary General. Today marks an important opportunity for all member states, including my own, to reflect on the founding principles of this Organization set forth in its Charter and the American …

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Secretary Pompeo Addresses State Department Employees

Remarks Mike Pompeo  Secretary of State John J. Sullivan Deputy Secretary of State Harry S. Truman Building C Street Lobby Washington, DC May 1, 2018  DEPUTY SECRETARY SULLIVAN: Thank you. Thank you, everyone, for being here. It’s a great honor to be here to introduce our new Secretary of State. Before I do so, I wanted …

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Remarks at a State Luncheon in Honor of French President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs. Macron

Remarks at a State Luncheon in Honor of French President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs. Macron Remarks John J. Sullivan Acting Secretary of State Ben Franklin Room Washington, DC April 24, 2018  ACTING SECRETARY SULLIVAN: Well, thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. I’m honored to join Vice President Pence in welcoming President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte …

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Ambassador Trujillo Delivers Inaugural Remarks at the OAS Permanent Council

Ambassador Carlos Trujillo OAS Permanent Council Friday, April 20, 2018  Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary General, fellow Permanent Representatives — I am honored to come before the Permanent Council today, for the first time, representing the United States of America here at the Organization of American States. I am grateful to President Trump for placing …

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Ambassador Trujillo Interview on Facebook Live

On April 20, 2018, Ambassador Trujillo, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), conducted a Facebook Live interview to discuss the OAS and the outcomes of the Eighth Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru.  The session was moderated by Acting Deputy Spokesperson Elizabeth Fitzsimmons.  Ambassador Trujillo comments on U.S. multilateral engagement to address regional …

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Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s Meeting with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico

Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s Meeting with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico   FOREIGN POLICY  Issued on: April 15, 2018 Vice President Mike Pence met today with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to discuss issues of importance to the bilateral relationship, particularly strong U.S.-Mexican cooperation on trade, security and immigration issues. The Vice President emphasized the importance of …

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Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s Meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada

Pence’s Meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada   FOREIGN POLICY  Issued on: April 15, 2018 Vice President Mike Pence met today with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada to discuss key issues related to trade, security and democracy in the hemisphere. Both leaders expressed the importance of reaching agreement on the North American Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible, …

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Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s Meeting with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia

Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s Meeting with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia   FOREIGN POLICY  Issued on: April 15, 2018 Vice President Mike Pence met today with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia to discuss ways to deepen the close friendship and longstanding partnership between the United States and Colombia. Vice President Pence thanked President Santos for recent efforts to curb …

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Remarks by Vice President Pence in Meeting with Venezuelan Opposition Leaders

Remarks by Vice President Pence in Meeting with Venezuelan Opposition Leaders   FOREIGN POLICY  Issued on: April 15, 2018 U.S. Ambassador’s Residence Lima, Peru 4:37 P.M. PET VICE PRESIDENT PENCE:  (In progress) — with you to see freedom once again, prosper and thrive, and to end the humanitarian crisis.  It is Venezuela today. The simple truth is that …

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Acting Secretary Sullivan’s Meeting With Caribbean Leaders

Acting Secretary Sullivan’s Meeting With Caribbean Leaders Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC April 15, 2018 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert: Acting Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met with the Caribbean Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers of The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and St. Lucia on the margins of …

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Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s Meeting with President Sebastian Piñera of Chile

Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s Meeting with President Sebastian Piñera of Chile   FOREIGN POLICY  Issued on: April 15, 2018 Vice President Mike Pence met today with Chilean President Sebastian Piñera to highlight the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries, and to discuss issues of interest including trade, security and strengthening democracy. The leaders roundly condemned the horrific …

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Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s meeting with President Martín Vizcarra of Peru

Readout of Vice President Mike Pence’s meeting with President Martín Vizcarra of Peru   FOREIGN POLICY  Issued on: April 15, 2018 Vice President Mike Pence met today with Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra to discuss the strong partnership between the two countries. Vice President Pence thanked him for hosting the Summit of the Americas in Lima and underscored the need for …

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Remarks at Funding Initiative for Women’s Empowerment Announcement

Remarks at Funding Initiative for Women’s Empowerment Announcement Remarks John J. Sullivan Acting Secretary of State Lima, Peru April 13, 2018 ACTING SECRETARY SULLIVAN: Good morning. It’s wonderful to be here in Lima and to participate in the Summit of the Americas. I’m especially honored to join one of the Trump administration’s most passionate advocates for issues …

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DipNote: Partnering with the Americas for a More Prosperous and Secure Future for the Region

Partnering with the Americas for a More Prosperous and Secure Future for the Region By  Kenneth H. Merten  on April 13, 2018 President Donald J. Trump  proclaimed  April 14, 2018 Pan American Day and April 8 – 14, 2018 Pan American Week. During these commemorations, the President recognized the 128th anniversary of the First International Conference of American States, which concluded 70 …

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Acting Secretary Sullivan Meets With the Governments of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras 

Acting Secretary Sullivan Meets With the Governments of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC April 13, 2018 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert: Today, Acting Secretary of State John J. Sullivan and Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray co-hosted a meeting with President Juan Orlando Hernandez of …

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Remarks on Venezuela Humanitarian Aid

Remarks on Venezuela Humanitarian Aid Remarks Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Francisco Palmieri Chief of Mission Residence Lima, Peru April 13, 2018 Thank you, Mr. Vice President, and good afternoon to everyone. The Department of State is excited to be a part of the international support for Venezuelans who have …

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Remarks at Funding Initiative for Women’s Empowerment Announcement

Remarks at Funding Initiative for Women’s Empowerment Announcement   Remarks John J. Sullivan Acting Secretary of State Lima, Peru April 13, 2018 ACTING SECRETARY SULLIVAN: Good morning. It’s wonderful to be here in Lima and to participate in the Summit of the Americas. I’m especially honored to join one of the Trump administration’s most passionate advocates for …

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Ambassador Trujillo Interview on Marti Noticias

Embajador de EEUU ante OEA: Cuba no tiene derecho a estar presente en esta Cumbre Marti Noticias, Peru  — April 13, 2018 El diplomático cubanoamericano Carlos Trujillo dijo a Martí Noticias que la OEA continuará presionando a nivel internacional hasta que en la isla de gobierno comunista haya un proceso electoral libre y democrático. El embajador …

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Pan American Day Proclamation 2018

President Donald J. Trump Proclaims April 14, 2018, as Pan American Day and April 8 through April 14, 2018, as Pan American Week Issued on: April 12, 2018 On Pan American Day and during Pan American Week, we commemorate the 128th anniversary of the First International Conference of American States, which concluded on April 14, 1890, …

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Ambassador Trujillo Interview on VOA

EEUU aumentaría ayuda a refugiados venezolanos VOA LIMA, Peru  — El embajador de Estados Unidos ante la Organización de Estados Americanos, OEA, Carlos Trujillo, reconoció que la situación de los refugiados venezolanos es una de las prioridades en la Cumbre de las Américas y que su país no descarta ofrecer más ayuda para los que …

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Ambassador Carlos Trujillo Presents Credentials As U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States

Remarks Ambassador Carlos Trujillo Presentation of Credentials Ceremony Thursday, April 5, 2018 Secretary General Almagro, Mr. Chair of the Permanent Council Ambassador Gonzalez, Assistant Secretary General Mendez, distinguished ambassadors and alternate representatives, members of the Secretariat — I am honored and grateful to be here today with you and deeply humbled by the trust that …

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Summit of the Americas: Background on U.S. Government Priorities

Summit of the Americas: Background on U.S. Government Priorities The Washington Foreign Press Center Washington, DC March 28, 2018 MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Washington Foreign Press Center. We’re pleased this morning to welcome [Senior State Department Official]. A reminder: This briefing is on background, so he will be referred to for …

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Guyana Hosts OAS Tourism Ministerial

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway led the U.S. delegation to the 24th Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High Authorities of Tourism on March 21-22. Tourism authorities from 26 Western Hemisphere states met in Georgetown, Guyana for this OAS ministerial to exchange best practices in sustainable tourism. Delegates paid special attention to mitigating the impact …

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OAS Approves Resolution on Venezuela

Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Kevin K. Sullivan Special Session of the OAS Permanent Council Resolution on Venezuela February 23, 2018 Thank you very much Mr. Chair. Just another brief intervention to comment on some of the statements that a number of my colleagues here today have made. The United States is of course …

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Press Availability With Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Press Availability With Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness Remarks Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Kingston, Jamaica February 7, 2018 MODERATOR: (In progress) as well as the U.S. Secretary of State, the Honorable Rex Tillerson. You may be seated. Thank you so much for joining us, everyone, on this working visit of the U.S. Secretary of …

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Interview With Rich Edson of Fox News

Interview With Rich Edson of Fox News Interview Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State W Hotel Bogota, Colombia February 6, 2018 QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, thank you so much for joining us on Fox. SECRETARY TILLERSON: It’s my pleasure, Rich. QUESTION: I’d like to begin with this trip. Minus your Mexico trip early last year, this is your first …

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Joint Press Availability With Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos

Joint Press Availability With Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Bogota, Colombia February 6, 2018 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Ladies and gentlemen, good evening, welcome. Welcome to the press room at the Palace of Narino. We would like to greet all the TV viewers following our program and over the streaming through …

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Joint Press Availability With Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski

Joint Press Availability With Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Lima, Peru February 6, 2018 MODERATOR: (In progress, via interpreter) with the presidents of – the President of Peru, Mr. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, and Secretary of State of the United States of America Rex Tillerson. We are going to open up …

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Press Availability With Peruvian Foreign Minister Lucia Cayetana Aljovin Gazzani

Press Availability With Peruvian Foreign Minister Lucia Cayetana Aljovin Gazzani Remarks Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lima, Peru February 5, 2018 MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon (inaudible) declaration of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru Cayetana Aljovin.FOREIGN MINISTER ALJOVIN: (Via interpreter) Welcome, press. Thank you for being here with us today. I …

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Press Availability With Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie

Press Availability With Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie Remarks Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Buenos Aires, Argentina February 4, 2018 FOREIGN MINISTER FAURIE: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon. Thank you for making the effort on this Sunday afternoon, on such a fine day. We were just chatting with Rex about the spectacular summer sky we’ve got …

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Joint Press Availability With Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland

Joint Press Availability With Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland Remarks Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Mexico City, Mexico February 2, 2018   MODERATOR: (In progress) (Via interpreter) everybody and welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We thank you for being here for the meeting of the Ministries of …

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Secretary Tillerson Delivers Address on U.S. Engagement in the Western Hemisphere

U.S. Engagement in the Western Hemisphere Remarks Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas February 1, 2018 SECRETARY TILLERSON: Thank you, thank you so much. And thank you, Greg, for that very kind, warm introduction, inviting me back home today. And I want to thank those at the Clements Center …

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Background Briefing on the Secretary’s Travel to the Region

Background Briefing on the Secretary’s Travel to Austin, Texas; Mexico City, Mexico; San Carlos Bariloche, Argentina; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Lima, Peru; Bogota, Colombia; and Kingston, Jamaica   Special Briefing Senior State Department Officials Via Teleconference January 29, 2018 MODERATOR: Thank you so much. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for today’s background …

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Secretary Tillerson to Travel to the Region

Secretary Tillerson To Travel to Austin, Mexico City, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Lima, Bogotá, and Kingston Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC January 26, 2018 U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to Austin, Texas, and then to Mexico City, Mexico; Bariloche and Buenos Aires, Argentina; Lima, Perú; Bogotá, Colombia; and Kingston, Jamaica …

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Christmas at The White House 2017

Christmas at the White House 2017 December 12, 2017 The First Family will celebrated their first Christmas in the White House with a nod to tradition.  This year’s theme, “Time-Honored Traditions” was designed by First Lady Melania Trump to pay respect to 200 years of holiday traditions at the White House. In the East Wing, …

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LGBTI Core Group Welcomes Appointment of UN Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The OAS LGTBI Core Group and the OAS Secretariat for Access to Rights and Equity hosted a celebration of Human Rights Day on December 11, 2017 at the OAS, organized by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Human Rights First.  The event honored advocates and allies in the global equality movement: Tatiana Vinnichenko, Chair, Russian …

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OAS Permanent Council Addresses Violence against Women in the Americas

On December 6, 2017, the OAS Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) held a special meeting at OAS headquarters in Washington DC, on the subject “Addressing Violence against Women in the Americas.”  Acting United States Deputy Chief of Mission Genevieve Libonati addressed the gathering on behalf of the delegation of the United States. …

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Eighth Americas Competitiveness Exchange

Americas Competitiveness Exchange:  Senior Officials and Entrepreneurs from Across the Western Hemisphere to Visit Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs in Central and Northern Florida.  Pictured here, the group visits NASA’S Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida (December 5, 2017).  The U.S. Permanent Mission to the OAS, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International …

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Municipal Elections in Nicaragua

Municipal Elections in Nicaragua   Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC November 8, 2017 The United States is concerned by persistent flaws in the Nicaraguan democratic process, as illustrated by the November 5 municipal elections. Although voting itself was calm, we condemn the post-electoral violence, lament the loss of life, and call for …

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Bringing the 2023 World’s Fair back to the Americas

On October 25, 2017, the U.S. Permanent Mission hosted a presentation at the OAS Permanent Council in support of the United States’ bid to host the 2023 World’s Fair.  The presentation included the participation of Matthew Asada, the State Department’s Expo Officer, and Mark Ritchie, President and CEO of the Minnesota World’s Fair Bid Committee. On October …

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Gubernatorial Elections in Venezuela

Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC October 16, 2017 the United States applauds the courage, determination, and will of the Venezuelan people who tried to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the October 15, gubernatorial elections. We condemn the lack of free and fair elections yesterday in Venezuela. The voice of the …

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Secretary Tillerson Meets with OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro

Secretary Tillerson’s Meeting With OAS Secretary General Almagro Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC October 13, 2017 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎ Secretary Tillerson hosted Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) Luis Almagro today at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. The two leaders underscored the …

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OAS – Honduras Host MISPA Ministerial

 OAS and Honduran Government Bring Together Public Security Authorities of the Hemisphere in San Pedro Sula October 11, 2017 The Sixth Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Public Security in the Americas (MISPA VI), was held within the framework of the Organization of American States (OAS), in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on October 10 – 11, …

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Hispanic Heritage Month

Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, left, and first lady Melania Trump, center, listen as President Donald Trump speaks during a Hispanic Heritage Month event in the East Room of the White House, Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary September 13, 2017 National Hispanic Heritage Month, …

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Presidential Proclamation Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Las Vegas, Nevada

The American flag is at half-staff at the White House in Washington, Monday, Oct. 2, 2017. President Donald Trump ordered that flags be lowered at all government buildings to honor the victims of the mass shooting in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release October …

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U.S. Government Announces Contribution to REMJA

Interim U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS Kevin K. Sullivan (center) and Deputy Assistant Secretary Daniel Foote from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) (left) are joined by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro in a ceremony to announce a U.S. government contribution to OAS REMJA for continued programming of cybercrime training workshops.  …

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President Trump Addresses the United Nations General Assembly

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release September 19, 2017 Remarks by President Trump to the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly United Nations New York, New York 10:04 A.M. EDT PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Mr. Secretary General, Mr. President, world leaders, and distinguished delegates:  Welcome to New York.  It is …

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DipNote: Secretary Tillerson Hosts Community of Democracy Ministerial

Standing Up for Democracy: The 2017 Community of Democracies Ministerial By  Virginia Bennett  on September 14, 2017 On September 15th, the  International Day of Democracy , Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will host the Community of Democracies (CoD) Governing Council Ministerial meeting in Washington D.C. The Secretary has invited the foreign ministers of the 30 Governing Council member countries. Representatives of …

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Remembering 9/11

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release September 11, 2017 Remarks by President Trump at the 9/11 Memorial Observance   The Pentagon Arlington, Virginia 9:49 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, General.  Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. I want to thank you, Secretary Mattis, General Dunford, members of the …

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Vice President Pence in Panama

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, right, and Panama’s President Juan Carlos Varela shake hands at the end of the Vice President’s visit at the presidential palace in Panama City, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017. Panama is the Vice President’s last stop during his week-long tour of Latin America.  The last stop of Vice President Mike Pence’s Latin …

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Vice President Pence in South America: Chile

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence chats with Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet during a meeting at a La Moneda government palace in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017. The Vice President is on an official visit to Chile until Thursday, when he will be heading to Panama on a week-long visit to Latin America. (AP Photo/Esteban …

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Vice President Pence in South America: Argentina

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, right, and Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri attend a press conference at the government residence in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, August 15, 2017. (White House Photo) In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Vice President Mike Pence visited the Metropolitan Cathedral to lay a wreath at General San Martin’s tomb and visit their memorial to …

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Vice President Pence in South America: Colombia

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, right, and Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos shake hands at the start of a meeting at the presidential guesthouse in Cartagena, Colombia, Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017. Cartagena is the first stop of the Vice President’s weeklong trip to Latin America, that will also take him to Argentina, Chile and Panama. …

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Treasury Sanctions the President of Venezuela

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, left, standing with National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, right, calls on a reporter at the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Monday, July 31, 2017, after announcing Venezuela sanctions. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) U.S. Department of the Treasury Press Center 7/31/2017 Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s …

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Defending Democracy in Venezuela

Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC July 30, 2017 The United States condemns the elections imposed on July 30 for the National Constituent Assembly, which is designed to replace the legitimately elected National Assembly and undermine the Venezuelan people’s right to self-determination. The United States stands by the people of Venezuela, and their …

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OAS Member States Issue Joint Declaration on Venezuela

Opposition lawmakers are attacked by pro-government militias who are trying to force their way into the National Assembly during a special session coinciding with Venezuela’s independence day, in Caracas, Wednesday, July 5, 2017. At least five lawmakers were injured in the attack. Despite the violence, lawmakers later approved a plan by the opposition to hold …

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OAS Permanent Council Addresses the Crisis in Venezuela

Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Kevin K. Sullivan OAS Permanent Council July 26, 2017 Mr. Chairman, my delegation would like to begin this afternoon by thanking you for including this topic on the agenda of today’s Council meeting.  The situation in Venezuela could not be more timely or relevant for this Council’s consideration. Over …

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OAS Hosts Representatives from the Caribbean Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

Kevin K. Sullivan, Interim Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS addresses the gathering.  (OAS Photo) On July 17 – 21, the Organization of American States (OAS) hosted representatives from the Caribbean Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) initiative in San Antonio, Texas and Washington, DC. The SBDC program was established to create sustainable …

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Statement of OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro to U.S. Senate Hearing on Venezuela

Statement of OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro to U.S. Senate Hearing on Venezuela   Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues July 19, 2017 Senator Rubio, Senator Menendez, members of the subcommittee, Thank you for this opportunity to be with you today as …

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DipNote: Deputy Secretary Sullivan Leads U.S. Delegation at OAS General Assembly in Cancun

Deputy Secretary Sullivan Leads U.S. Delegation at OAS General Assembly in Cancun By DipNote Bloggers on June 20, 2017 Today, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan led the U.S. delegation at the 47th Regular Session of the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in Cancun, Mexico. In his remarks to 33 heads of delegation from Latin America, the …

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Briefing on U.S. Participation in the General Assembly of the OAS

Kevin K. Sullivan, U.S. Interim Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States and Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Andean, Brazilian, and Southern Cone Affairs held a special press briefing from the OAS General Assembly meeting in Cancun, Mexico on June 19, 2017.  The OAS General Assembly is taking place under theme “Strengthening Dialogue …

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Undersecretary of State Thomas Shannon Addresses OAS Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs

Remarks by Under Secretary of State Thomas Shannon at OAS Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on the Situation in Venezuela May 31, 2017 Washington, D.C. UNDER SECRETARY SHANNON:  Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  To you, sir, to the Secretary General and to all my colleagues, I extend my respect and gratitude for your presence here …

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Background Briefing: Senior State Department Officials on the OAS Meeting on Venezuela

Background Briefing: Senior State Department Officials on the OAS Meeting on Venezuela   Special Briefing Senior State Department Officials Via Teleconference May 30, 2017   MODERATOR: Thanks very much, and thanks to everyone who has joined us this afternoon for our background call on Venezuela. I’ll first introduce our speakers and then restate the ground …

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OAS LGBTI Core Group Statement: International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

On May 17, 2017, the members of the Organization of American States (OAS) LGBTI Core Group joined other governments and civil society organizations from around the world to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT). The OAS LGBTI Core Group includes Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, the United States and Uruguay. …

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USOAS Hosts Reception in honor of U.S. IACHR Candidate Douglass Cassel

Notre Dame Professor Douglass Cassel, U.S. candidate to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), addresses the gathering hosted by the U.S. Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS) after his introduction by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Kevin Sullivan.   Remarks by Interim Permanent Representative Sullivan The Embassy Row Hotel, Washington, D.C. May …

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DipNote: Texas Means Business: My Time at the 7th Americas Competitiveness Exchange

Texas Means Business: My Time at the 7th Americas Competitiveness Exchange   By Thomas Debass on April 28, 2017 This month, I had the privilege of traveling to Central Texas for the 7th Americas Competitiveness Exchange on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACE VII) , an intergovernmental initiative between the Department of State, Department of Commerce, Organization of American States, and others. The Exchange expands commercial ties in the …

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OAS Permanent Council Agrees to Convene a Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs

Pro-democracy demonstrators gather outside of the Organization of American States (OAS) during a special special meeting of the Permanent Council in Washington, Monday, April 3, 2017, to consider the recent events in Venezuela. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) On April 26, 2017, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) approved a resolution to …

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Special Session of the Permanent Council Addresses the Situation in Venezuela

On March 28, 2017, the OAS held a special session of the Permanent Council to address the situation in Venezuela.  Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Permanent Mission, Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael J. Fitzpatrick stated:  “This meeting is happening today because of the constructive spirit of a majority of member states that seeks to identify …

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OAS Observes Elections in the United States

On November 9, 2016, the OAS electoral observation mission to the 2016 elections in the United States released its preliminary report highlighting the institutional strength of the U.S. system and the legacy of democracy and freedom.  Former President of Costa Rica Laura Chinchilla, who served as Chief of Mission, delivered the report at a press …

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OAS Commemorates International Day of Democracy 2016

On September 21, 2016, Interim Permanent Representative of the United States Kevin K. Sullivan addressed the Permanent Council marking International Day of Democracy 2016. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to take the floor — along with the governments of Argentina, Canada, Costa Rica, Peru, Jamaica, and Guatemala — in recognition of the International Day of Democracy which …

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Joint Communique on the Situation in Venezuela

On August 11, 2016, 15 OAS member states issued a joint statement on recent developments in Venezuela, including Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the U.S. and Uruguay. I would like to refer to today’s joint statement by fifteen OAS member states on recent developments in Venezuela. …

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Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Kevin K. Sullivan Delivers Inaugural Remarks at the OAS

Kevin K. Sullivan, Interim Permanent Representative of the United States to the Organization of American States (OAS), delivered inaugural remarks at a meeting of the Permanent Council, July 13, 2016. Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Council, Permanent Observers, Mr. Secretary General, Mr. Assistant Secretary General, OAS staff, and friends: I would like to briefly …

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Interim Permanent Representative Fitzpatrick Bids Farewell

Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Interim Permanent Representative of the United States to the Organization of American States (OAS), bid farewell to the OAS in an address to the Permanent Council, June 29, 2016. Mr. President of the Permanent Council, Embajador Juan Jose Arcuri Mr. Secretary General, Luis Almagro Mr. Assistant Secretary General, Nestor Mendez Ambassadors of …

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Permanent Council Addresses IACHR Financial Situation

Genevieve Libonati, Political Counselor for the U.S. Permanent Mission to the OAS, addressed a session of the Permanent Council on the budgetary situation affecting the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), May 25, 2016. Thank you, Chair.  I would like to thank President of the Commission Cavallaro and the delegation from the Inter-American Commission on …

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OAS Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT)

Michael G. Kozak, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor addressed an OAS Permanent Council session commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) on May 18, 2016. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary General, representatives of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and distinguished Permanent Representatives, I am Mike Kozak, …

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Meeting of the OAS Permanent Council on the Situation in Venezuela

Remarks by Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Interim Permanent Representative of the United States to the Organization of American States (OAS), May 5, 2016. Thank you Mr. Chairman, good afternoon to one and all, esteemed ministers, Secretary General, permanent representatives and delegates: Muy buenas tardes a todas y a todos. First, let me extend a special welcome …

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Permanent Council Receives Report of OAS Special Mission to Haiti

On February 12, 2016, the OAS Permanent Council met to receive the report of the OAS Special Mission to Haiti presented by Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, Chair of the Permanent Council. USOAS Political Counselor Genevieve Libonati delivered remarks. Thank you, Mr. Chair.   My delegation takes this opportunity to thank the Chair for his excellent report …

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Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick on the Situation in Haiti

On January 27, 2016, a special session of the Permanent Council met to assess the situation in Haiti and agreed to the Haitian government’s request to send a Special Mission in accordance with Articles 17 and 18 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Thank you Mr. President.  The United States welcomes Secretary General Almagro’s request for …

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Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick Marking Human Rights Day

On December 10, 2015, Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick addressed a Special Session of the OAS Permanent Council in commemoration of Human Rights Day. Madame Chair, Mr. Secretary General, Mr. Assistant Secretary General, invitados especiales, colegas.  No se preocupen; porque no les voy a cantar! Madame Chair, I am pleased to take the …

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Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick on Social Charter Presentation

On November 24, 2015, Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick addressed the OAS Permanent Council following a presentation by the Venezuelan government’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Jorge Valero. Mr. Chairman, Secretary General Almagro, Assistant Secretary General Mendez, Ambassador Valero, Secretary Salvatti, Our dear colleague, Ambassador Lira of Chile, Chair of CIDI, …

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Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick on U.S.-Caribbean Energy Cooperation

On November 19, 2015, Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick addressed the OAS Permanent Council following a presentation by the Venezuelan government’s Minister of Popular Power for Oil and Mining Eulogio del Pino. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States recognizes the challenges that Caribbean nations face due to their high energy costs, particularly …

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Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick on Haiti Elections

On November 9, 2015, Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick addressed the OAS Permanent Council to laud the work of the OAS electoral observation mission to Haiti’s presidential elections carried out on October 25, 2015. Mr. Chairman, my delegation wishes to take a moment to praise the ongoing efforts of the OAS Electoral Observation …

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Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick on the Human Rights Situation in Venezuela

On October 21, 2015, Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick addressed the OAS Permanent Council following a presentation by the Venezuelan government’s Executive Secretary of the National Council for Human Rights Larry Devoe Marquez. Thank you, Madame Chair. Ladies and Gentleman, good morning to one and all. We are pleased to see the Secretary …

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14th Anniversary of the Inter-American Democratic Charter

On September 17, 2015, Interim Permanent Representative of the United States Michael J. Fitzpatrick addressed a meeting of the OAS Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Thank you and congratulations, Mr. Chair, for convening today’s meeting. First, the United States joins all assembled in expressing …

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Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick

Interim Permanent Representative Fitzpatrick addressed a Special Meeting of the OAS Permanent Council to address the humanitarian crisis along the Colombia-Venezuela border and Colombia’s request for a Consultation of Ministers, August 31, 2015. Thank you Mr. Chair.  The United States has taken note of the ongoing humanitarian situation along the Colombia-Venezuela border. The United States …

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Remarks by Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick

Interim Permanent Representative Fitzpatrick addressed a Special Meeting of the OAS Permanent Council to receive the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Haiti, Lener Renauld, July 8, 2015. Thank you, Chair.  Mr. Secretary General, the United States would like to take this opportunity to thank Foreign Minister Renauld for his presentation.  We very much appreciate the …

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OAS Permanent Council Receives the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic

Interim Permanent Representative Fitzpatrick addressed a Special Meeting of the OAS Permanent Council to receive the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, Andres Navarro Garcia, June 30, 2015. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  Mr. Secretary-General, Permanent Representatives: Good afternoon — y muy buenas tardes a todas y a todos.  The United States would like to take this …

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OAS Bids Farewell to Secretary General Insulza

On May 22, 2015, the OAS Permanent Council held a Special Session to bid farewell to OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza. State Department Counselor Thomas A. Shannon delivered remarks on behalf of the delegation of the United States. Counselor Shannon’s Remarks  May 22, 2015 Video Thank you very much Mr. Chairman, it is a tremendous …

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Special Session of the OAS Permanent Council on the Situation in Venezuela

Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Interim Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS, delivered remarks at a special session of the Permanent Council outlining the U.S. position on the situation in Venezuela, March 19, 2015. Thank you Madam Chair, good morning to one and all, esteemed ministers, Secretary General, permanent representatives and delegates, This session …

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IVLP Celebrates 75th Anniversary at OAS

On February 4, 2015, the U.S. Permanent Mission to the OAS co-hosted a forum with Global Ties – U.S. marking the 75th Anniversary of the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the historic Hall of the Americas. Remarks by Michael J. Fitzpatrick Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Thank you very much Mr. Vanella for …

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Remarks by the Delegation of the United States Upon Adoption of an OAS Declaration Condemning the Terrorist Attacks in Paris

On January 15, 2015, the OAS Permanent Council convened to approve the Declaration condemning the January 7 terrorist attacks in Paris, and expressing solidarity with the government and people of France. In joining consensus to approve this declaration, the United States stands with the government and people of France as they confront again an outrageous …

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Statement by the Interim Representative Fitzpatrick on the Situation in Haiti

Interim Representative Fitzpatrick addressed a Special Meeting of the Permanent Council on the Situation in Haiti at OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C., January 14, 2015. Madame Chair, the United States reiterates its firm commitment to Haitian President Michel Martelly and his persistent efforts to resolve the political impasse over delayed legislative elections.  The United States …

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OAS Marks International Day of Democracy

Commemoration of the International Day of Democracy 2013 In an address to the Permanent Council marking the occasion, Ambassador Carmen Lomellin called for renewed engagment by the member states to advance initiatives to strengthen implementation of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Statement by Ambassador Carmen Lomellin September 20, 2013 (As prepared for delivery) Mr. Chairman, I …

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OAS Permanent Council Holds IACHR Candidates Forum

Remarks by Professor James L. Cavallaro, Candidate Presented by the United States to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), delivered at the OAS Permanent Council on May 1, 2013. Buenos dias.  Bom dia.  Bon jour.  Good morning. Mr. Secretary General. Mr. Chairman. Distinguished Ambassadors and state representatives. Distinguished members of the Inter-American Commission. Distinguished …

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U.S. Supports “Sustainable Communities in Central America and the Caribbean” Grants

“U.S. Vision for Sustainable Development in the Americas” Keynote Remarks by Deputy U.S. Permanent Representative Lawrence J. Gumbiner Thank you for that kind introduction, Ambassador.  I want to start by echoing Ambassador Lomellin in her expression of gratitude to Secretary General Insulza and the OAS for hosting this event.  I would also like to take …

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OAS Demonstrates Operation of New Mobile Cyber Crisis Response Lab

Ambassador Lomellin stressed that “cyber security is a key area of interest for all of our governments,” as “attacks on information and communications infrastructure could potentially cause major damage to key sectors of the U.S. and global economy.” Remarks by Ambassador Carmen Lomellin October 19, 2012 Good Morning.  Mr. Secretary General, Ambassador Blackwell, Chair of …

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Remarks by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary John D. Feeley at OAS Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs

“Situation between Ecuador and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland regarding the inviolability of the diplomatic premises of Ecuador in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in accordance with international law” Washington, D.C. August 24, 2012 Many thanks, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the United States, allow me to …

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Congressman Engel Addresses the OAS Permanent Council

In his remarks, Rep. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Affairs addressed: “The Need For Greater Hemispheric Unity on Shared Hemispheric Goals and the Importance of the OAS.” (March 28, 2012) Thank you Ambassador Brutus, Permanent Representatives, Assistant Secretary General Ramdin, Legislators from Suriname, Canada and Honduras, Permanent …

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U.S. Underscores Support for the IACHR

United States’ Intervention before the OAS Permanent Council on Strengthening the Inter-American Human Rights System, January 25, 2012. Mr. Chair, allow me to first express our sincere gratitude to Ambassador Joel Hernandez for his agile management, patience and professionalism as Chair of the Working Group.  We would also like to thank Ambassador Hugo de Zela …

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