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New Representative of Costa Rica to the OAS Presented Credentials

The new Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Pablo Barahona Kruger, today presented to the Secretary General of the Organization, José Miguel Insulza, the credentials that accredit him to the hemispheric institution.

During the presentation ceremony, which took place at the OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, Ambassador Barahona reiterated his country's commitment to multilateralism and desire to work in the four foundational pillars of the Organization, with particular attention in "terms of strengthening democracy and the full respect for human rights, a main focus for Costa Rica, which also involves the conservation of the environment."

In his speech, the Representative of Costa Rica reiterated his desire to "cooperate in an ongoing, fluid and profound dialogue on the critical reading of the reality of the Americas". "While it is true the OAS has seen the circumstances in which it was founded change, its original mandate remains, indeed, the same: to be the prime forum to discuss major political issues throughout the American Hemisphere," he said. In addition, the Costa Rican Ambassador delivered a message from "President Solis who sends his greetings to the Secretary General and the Council of the Organization.”

For his part, Secretary General Insulza welcomed the Ambassador to the House of the Americas and stressed his satisfaction on his appointment as Representative of Costa Rica. Secretary General Insulza recalled, "your country, Ambassador, has played a very important role in this organization, and we are convinced that your appointment demonstrates the interest and the ongoing involvement of Costa Rica, which will be enhanced by your own participation.”

The leader of the OAS also noted the importance of Ambassador Barahona’s appointment in a "quite active time for this organization due to the three special general assemblies to be held before the end of this year". The head of the hemispheric Organization underscored the holdings of the upcoming Special General Assembly on the "Strategic Vision," next Friday, September 12, "in which we are working on agreements and defining he main lines of work of the Organization"; the Special General Assembly in Guatemala on drugs, on September 19, "in which I hope we can verify how much we have advanced in the opening of an effective dialogue within the inter-American community and the progress that has been made on the drug issue that was once called the “'war on drugs.”

In the same vein, Secretary General Insulza stressed the importance of "opening a way ahead to a drug policy that is more humane, more respectful of human rights, and more open to the possibilities of prevention and drug rehabilitation," and he expressed his desire that at the hemispheric meeting, "a very firm stance on the fight against organized crime and violence affecting the countries of our region," will be taken. Finally, he referred to the OAS Special General Assembly on budget to be held in late October, “during which we will make important decisions.”

The ceremony was attended by the Chair of the Permanent Council and Permanent Representative of Saint Lucia, Sonia Johnny, and numerous representatives of the member states, among other special guests.

A gallery of photos of the event is available here.

The B-Roll of the event is available here.

For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org.

Reference: E-364/14