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 …

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, …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

  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, …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Skip to content 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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

June 10, 2020 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon, everyone. It has been nearly three decades since the United States hosted the first Summit of Americas. As it happens, I actually worked on that inaugural summit, in a slightly different role – I was a speechwriter for President Clinton at the time. Needless to say, the hemisphere …

June 10, 2022 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good afternoon, everyone. It’s good to see everyone, and I don’t want to be the only thing standing between you and – I guess it’s lunch. Well, yes, we’re in Latin America, so it’s lunch. Wonderful to see everyone here today and thank you all for joining for lunch. Folks …

June 9, 2022 7:54 P.M. PDT THE PRESIDENT:  Well, folks, welcome.  Welcome, again, to dinner.  And Jill and I have been trying to keep from the press the fact that this is our private home.  (Laughter.) I just learned an awful lot about — anyway, I’ll tell you about it later — from the — …

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 …

June 9, 2022 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and President Jair Messias Bolsonaro met today to reaffirm the strategic importance of the relationship between the United States and Brazil—two of the world’s largest democracies. At a moment when the globe is facing a cascade of crises, from Russia’s war in Ukraine to global warming and …

JUNE 09, 2022 2:37 P.M. PDT THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. (Applause.) Please — please, sit down. Well, welcome again to the ninth Summit of the Americas. A lot of hard work has gone into this summit, and a lot of strong and constructive diplomacy so far, I believe. We brought together diverse voices and stakeholders …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. paved the way of peace, justice, pluralism, and civil rights on the global stage. We all owe Dr. King our deep gratitude for the ultimate sacrifices he made to lay the groundwork for freedom and equality for all, most especially at a time where the United States was marred with …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

JOINT STATEMENT “Strengthening the Family and the Rights of Women of All Ages” (Presented by the Delegations of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, the United States of America, St. Lucia, and Venezuela; in the context of the 50th Annual OAS General Assembly) AWARE OF the importance the OAS has placed on family as foundational …

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) …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

On October 18, 2019, Ambassador Carlos Trujillo was interviewed by VOA for the program “Venezuela 360̊.”  Watch the full interview here .

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 …

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 …

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 …

Remarks by Vice President Pence at SOUTHCOM Press Conference U.S. Naval Hospital Ship Comfort Miami, Florida June 18, 2019 12:52 P.M. EDT THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you, Admiral Faller. Thank you for the introduction. And thank you for your great, great lifetime of service and leadership in the United States Navy. Would you join …

50 leaders from the Americas and beyond visited more than 20 sites to create multisectoral learning and exchange opportunities during the 11th Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) that took place in Puerto Rico,  United States, on May 18-25, 2019. Puerto Rico opened its doors to leaders from the private sector, academia, and government to share the …

On May 2, 2019, the OAS Permanent Council held a special meeting to address the destabilizing incursion of external actors in Venezuela and the role of the governments of Russia and Cuba in subverting democracy and human rights in Venezuela and propping up the Maduro dictatorship against the will of the Venezuelan people.  The meeting …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

April 10, 2019 United Nations Headquarters New York, New York THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you all for being here. I just completed a meeting with the Secretary General and completed addressing the United Nations Security Council. The President directed me to be here because the United States of America is standing with the people …

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 …

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 …

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 …

On March 29, 2019, Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams conducted a briefing for reporters at the Department of State.  

On March 27, 2019, Ambassador Carlos Trujillo, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), conducted an interview with NTN24 to discuss OAS efforts to address the situation in Venezuela. Watch the full interview here.

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 …

On March 21, 2019, the Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams participated in a conversation with Lydia Barraza, Spanish language spokesperson for the Department of State in a Live at State session.  Watch the full program here.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Testimony of Ambassador Carlos Trujillo Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere House Committee on Foreign Affairs July 12, 2018 Chairman Cook, Ranking Member Sires, and Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for conducting this hearing and for allowing me this opportunity to come before you to address this most urgent matter and the critical need to …

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 …

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 …

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 …

May 2, 2018 The Vice President’s Ceremonial Office Eisenhhower Executive Office Building  THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, good afternoon.  And on behalf of President Trump and the First Family, it’s my privilege to say, welcome to the White House.  And welcome to the swearing-in of the 20th United States Ambassador to the Organization of American …

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 …

Ambassador Trujillo speaks about the need for compassion for the people of Venezuela in a Facebook Live interview with Acting Deputy Spokesperson Elizabeth Fitzsimmons with the U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, April 20, 2018.  Watch the video on Twitter .

Ambassador Trujillo comments on supporting civil society in Cuba in an interview with Acting Deputy Spokesperson Elizabeth Fitzsimmons on a Facebook Live discussion with the U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, April 20, 2018.  Watch the video on Twitter .

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 …

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, …

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 …

Remarks by Vice President Pence in Meeting with Cuban Dissident   FOREIGN POLICY  Issued on: April 15, 2018 U.S. Ambassador’s Residence Lima, Peru VICE PRESIDENT PENCE:  Well, thank you all for joining us.  It’s my great honor to have the opportunity to meet with Rosa María Payá.  She is the daughter of Oswaldo Payá, the head of the …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Acting Secretary Sullivan’s Meeting With Haitian President Jovenel Moise Readout Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC April 14, 2018   The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert: Acting Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met with Haitian President Jovenel Moise on April 13, 2018 on the margins of the Summit of the Americas in …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

Acting Secretary Sullivan Travel to Lima, Peru To Participate in the Summit of the Americas Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC April 10, 2018 Acting Secretary of State John J. Sullivan will travel to Lima, Peru from April 11-14, to accompany Vice President Mike Pence at the Eighth Summit of the Americas. During the …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

 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, …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Permanent Mission of the United States hosted a reception at the Organization of American States honoring U.S. Independence Day.  The event was held on July 13, 2017 and was attended by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro and members of the diplomatic community in Washington, D.C.  Visit the OAS Flickr photo gallery .

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Acting under the Inter-American Democratic Charter, on April 3rd the OAS Permanent Council adopted the measure, expressing grave concern regarding the unconstitutional alteration of the democratic order in Venezuela and calling for its full restoration.

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 …

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 …

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 …