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OAS SECRETARY GENERAL ANNOUNCES CREATION OF INTERNATIONAL
FORENSIC COMMISSION

  July 27, 2007

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, announced today that the regional organization will establish an international forensic commission to assist with the investigation into the death last month of eleven Colombian lawmakers. The OAS will lead this commission which is being formed along established guidelines of the Colombian Government.

The commission will begin working as soon as the bodies are retrieved.

A forensic doctor will, to be selected by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), will head this commission, thus guaranteeing the highest professional standards are applied.

As suggested by the Colombian Government, France, Spain and Switzerland will be invited to designate a forensic doctor to join this commission. The International Red Cross will also be asked to appoint a representative.

Reference: E-185/07