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IN FAREWELL, MEXICAN ENVOY TO OAS UNDERSCORES HEMISPHERE’S CHALLENGES

Ambassador Miguel Ruiz-Cabañas, Mexico’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), saying farewell to his colleagues in the Organization’s Permanent Council today, underscored his concern that despite much progress, the Hemisphere is not better off, is not safer, nor is it any “less poor” than when he arrived at the OAS some three and a half years ago.

“I believe the Hemisphere is a little more unjust and, unfortunately, less prosperous,” he declared after thanking the member state delegates for their farewell tributes as he concluded his tour of duty leading his country’s Permanent Mission. Ambassador Ruiz-Cabanas told the Permanent Council meeting, chaired by Nicaragua’s Ambassador Cármen Marina Gutiérrez, that “this [situation] certainly means we must worker harder and pay more attention to the concerns of ordinary citizens.”

Among developments to illustrate his point, he said that during his time at the OAS “ten constitutionally-established governments had fallen;” a number of countries had experienced crises in governance; several presidents have had to flee office because of crises in governance; and “many of our countries’ political institutions are not functioning as they ought to.” He said the OAS must continue working to strengthen the hemispheric agenda especially on such key issues as human rights, democracy and security, and should modernize the Permanent Council’s procedures.

Ruiz-Cabañas thanked the member states, their delegations to the OAS, his own government, the Permanent Mission he headed, and the OAS Secretariat itself for their support and “confidence in me.”

Speaking on behalf of all the delegations as Permanent Council Chair, the Nicaraguan Permanent Representative said Ambassador Ruiz-Cabañas “came with the highest personal and professional credentials that ensured he represented his country and government in a manner that would make them extremely proud.”

A number of the member state delegates voiced their own appreciation and admiration for the Mexican diplomat’s professionalism, dedication, discipline and leadership, including during his three months in the Permanent Council chair. Among those that praised the outgoing Mexican Ambassador were Ambassador Lisa Shoman of Belize, representing the Central American Group (GRUCA); Ambassador Joshua Sears of The Bahamas, on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) delegations; Ambassador Paul Durand of Canada; Ambassador Timothy Dunn, Alternate Representative of the United States; and Alternate Representative Salvador Hernández of Venezuela, for the ALADI group.

Reference: E-102/04