U.S. RATIFIES OAS ANTI-CORRUPTION TREATY

The United States government today deposited with the Organization of American States (OAS) instruments ratifying the Inter-American Convention against Corruption, reaffirming its commitment to work together with the other countries of the hemisphere to combat corruption.

Ambassador Luis Lauredo, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS, presented the documents to the OAS Secretary General César Gaviria, at a ceremony at OAS Headquarters in Washington. He said the move was part of a global effort to tackle corruption wherever it occurs. "Most of this hemisphere's countries have embraced democracy and most are working daily to bring political and economic stability to their citizens," he said.

Hailing the move by the U.S. government, the Secretary General described corruption as one of the most serious crimes threatening the consolidation of democracy as well as economic and social development in the hemisphere. He added that, by ratifying the hemispheric treaty, the U.S. was confirming its "commitment to one of the most important collective goals in the Americas."

Describing this inter-American convention as the most comprehensive instrument yet to deal with corruption, Mr. Gaviria explained that the international community has recognized the United States leadership in the war on corruption. "In relation to crimes of corruption, the Convention is the most important inter-American treaty on extradition, judicial cooperation, the exchange of evidence and the adoption of measures pertaining to property."

During the ceremony, the U.S. Special Envoy for the Americas, Kenneth McKay, read a letter from Vice President Al Gore, conveying his support for the hemispheric treaty against corruption.

The treaty was adopted on March 29, 1996, in Caracas, Venezuela. It entered into force on March 6, 1997, and now with the United States on board, is ratified by 20 of the 34 OAS member states.

********