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KOREA ASSISTS OAS MISSION TO SUPPORT THE PEACE PROCESS IN COLOMBIA

  September 29, 2005

The government of Korea has contributed some $100,000 in technical equipment and vehicles to the Organization of American States (OAS) Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia. With this contribution, Korea reaffirms its commitment and leadership on collaborative initiatives for peace and democracy in the Western Hemisphere.

At a brief ceremony today at the Organization’s headquarters, the Alternate Observer of Korea to the OAS, Byoung-Lip Cho, said that his country is “very interested in the promotion of democracy and human rights,” and reaffirmed that it “will continue to contribute to this kind of assistance.” Cho expressed hope that the OAS mission in Colombia will help bring peace to that country.

Accepting the donation on behalf of the Colombian government, the Alternate Representative to the OAS, María Clara Isaza said that this contribution is “another demonstration of solidarity, cooperation and friendship shared between Korea and Colombia,” adding that the donation comes at a key moment for the OAS mission.

Korea was one of the first Asian countries to join the OAS as a Permanent Observer in 1981. In the past seven years, Korea has donated some one million dollars to support various OAS areas.

Irene Klinger, Director of the Department of Communications and External Relations and Michael Beaulieu, from the Department of Democracy and Political Affairs represented the OAS at the ceremony.

Reference: E-222/05