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OAS Secretary General Sends Condolences on Death of Former Venezuelan President Carlos Andrés Pérez

  December 29, 2010

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, sent his condolences to the wife and daughters of the recently deceased former President of the Republic of Venezuela, Carlos Andrés Pérez.

The head of the Hemispheric Organization expressed his sorrow to Ms. Cecilia Matos on the death of the former Head of State and said that President Pérez "distinguished himself with his unconditional commitment to democracy in his country, as well as his solid defense of liberty and human rights throughout the Hemisphere."

In his condolence letter, Secretary General Insulza said that "Carlos Andrés Pérez lived his political life according to his ideas, and he defended them vigorously even in his last years and despite his illness." He added that "all citizens in our Hemisphere should pay tribute and acknowledge the work of this remarkable Venezuelan public official and statesman.

The OAS Secretary General highlighted the support that the former Venezuelan President offered during his two terms to several democratization processes in countries around the Americas. "This is not unusual, considering he spent his life confronting authoritarian attempts in his own country, a position that led him to jail and exile. The Secretary General concludes his letter extending his condolences to all relatives and friends of President Carlos Andrés Pérez.

Reference: E-495/10