C-165
September 17, 2000
PRESS RELEASE ON DEVELOPMENTS IN PERU
The High-Level Mission of the Organization of American
States (OAS) to Peru, created by the OAS General Assembly in Windsor with the purpose of
promoting a process of strengthening and reform of Peru's democratic institutions,
expresses its satisfaction with the latest political developments in that country.
The Mission would like, first of all, to note the
responsible position taken by President Alberto Fujimori, who has judged that continuing
as head of state could mean uncertainties and represent an obstacle for the normal
development of the democratic process. He has thus placed the interests of the country
above any personal considerations.
The Mission would also like to express its satisfaction for
the conduct of the opposition leaders, who have used constructive and moderate language in
the current political situation, which has also contributed to the calm, peaceful
atmosphere in the country.
The Mission is convinced of the need to preserve the
discussion of the democratic reform agenda that has been agreed upon by representatives of
the government and the opposition. This dialogue process continues to be of utmost
importance to ensure that Peru can benefit from solid democratic institutions.
These proposed reforms have opened the way for a fertile
dialogue that will ensure that the country can progress toward national consensus that
will ensure the strengthening of the rule of law and the enforcement of the Constitution,
and ensure a climate of understanding that is essential at this difficult time when the
country undergoes a transition to new elections.
OAS Secretary General César Gaviria and Canada's Minister
of Foreign Affairs, Lloyd Axworthy, as heads of the High-Level Mission, would like to
express their willingness, which reflects the good will of all the governments and peoples
of the Americas, to continue facilitating the process of democratic development in Peru.
This process is primarily in the hands of the Peruvian people themselves and all their
social and political forces.
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