Host Country Relations

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	CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA The purpose of our work in this area is to inform Members of the US Congress on the role of the OAS in improving democracy, human rights, security, and development in the Americas and to gain recognition for its work and increased support through contributions to the institution’s Regular Fund and Voluntary Funds in order to strengthen its programs and cooperation with OAS Member States. Through our office of Host Country Relations we will provide information to the General Secretariat on activities of the US Congress of importance to the Member States, organize briefings on OAS issues for Member of Congress and their staff, prepare informational materials on the OAS targeted to the interests of the US Congress and promote outreach efforts for increased engagement between the US Congress and the OAS. Key Committees of the US Congress with interest in the Americas and oversight over the budget of the OAS are: Senate: • Appropriations Committee and its State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee • Foreign Relations Committee and its Western Hemisphere Subcommittee House of Representatives: • Appropriations Committee and its Foreign Operations, Export Financing Subcommittee • International Relations Committee and its Western Hemisphere Subcommittee
Related Activities
	OAS Secretary General Communications to Congress Members OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, shows support for Congressional initiatives. OAS' Insulza Hails U.S. Congress for Extending Preferential Tariffs for Andean Countries (February 29, 2008) Support for the extension of the ATPDEA for Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (January 23, 2008) (.pdf) Support for the approval of the US-Peru, US-Colombia and US-Panama free trade agreements (October 22, 2007) (.pdf) OAS Secretary General request for additional funds to meet expenditures of the Organization of American States for FY2008 (July 12, 2007) (.pdf) Support for the extension of the ATPDEA, and for ratification of the U.S.-Peru, U.S.-Colombia and U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreements (June 22, 2007) (.pdf) Support for the extension of the ATPDEA, for ratification of the U.S.-Peru and U.S.-Colombia FTAs, and for the renewal of the GSP for Haiti (December 6, 2006) (.pdf)
September 23, 2008	OAS Assistant Secretary General meets with Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL) Organization of American States (OAS) Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin met with Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) this week to discuss OAS programs and further cooperation between the hemispheric body and Representative Castor’s Congressional district—the city of Tampa and its port. During the meeting, Ramdin spoke about his successful visit to Tampa in July of this year, which included a presentation at the Tampa chapter of the World Affairs Council and discussions of outreach activities to the Caribbean. Representative Castor welcomed the OAS initiative and supported the idea of Tampa’s engagement with the OAS through the Caribbean initiatives, fellowships for students to attend the University of South Florida, as well as joint ventures with the ports community, including a possible meeting of the Inter-American Ports Commission and policy discussions around Brazil’s commitment to build a bio-fuels terminal. Ambassador Ramdin and congresswoman Castor also discussed the situation in Haiti, in which the OAS has been actively involved. She was very supportive of the congressional initiative to provide emergency funding for disaster relief in Haiti and also of the H.R. 522, the Haitian Protection Act that would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian immigrants currently in the United States. The meeting ended with agreement to welcome a delegation from Tampa to OAS headquarters in Washington, DC and to send OAS officials to Tampa to solidify cooperative efforts.   Photo Gallery
September 12, 2008	OAS Collaborates with Library of Congress on world digital library endeavor The Organization of American States (OAS) has joined the World Digital Library, in an effort led by the U.S. Library of Congress to promote: international and intercultural understanding and awareness, cultural understanding and awareness, provide resources to educators, expand non-English and non-Western content on the Internet, and contributions to scholarly research. The OAS’ Columbus Memorial Library, established in 1800, is the repository for the institutional memory of the OAS. It will make important contributions to this effort by representing 35 Member States, by providing language expertise in its four official languages. Press Release Photo Gallery
September 11, 2008	OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza meets with Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) On September 11, 2008, OAS Secretary General Insulza met with Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX). Congressman Cuellar is chairman of the International Relations Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.  The mission of the Task Force is to strengthen U.S. relations with Latin America. Congressman Cuellar and Secretary General Insulza were joined in the meeting by Terry Stinson, Chief of Staff, and Christopher Buskey, Legislative Fellow, from the office of Congressman Cuellar, and Irene Klinger, Director, and Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, from the OAS Department of International Affairs.  See here for a full report on the meeting. Photo Gallery
July 31, 2008	THE 2008 TASTE AMERICAS EVENT IN CAPITOL HILL HAD OAS PARTICIPATION: The OAS participated in the 2008 Taste America event that took place on July 31st at the Congressional Members’ Dining Room of the U.S. Capitol. The Taste America is an annual reception held exclusively for Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, and their families, and sponsored by a select group of associations and companies. This year’s theme was Beautiful Minds, a topic that stimulated a broad range of displays to educate and entertain Congressional guests. The OAS had a colorful display with flowers, flyers and images of the some of the best minds in the Americas, and a wide selection of food and beverages generously donated by the OAS Member States. As part of the exhibit, the OAS highlighted the centenary of its historic headquarters building, be commemorated during 2010. This event provided a unique opportunity for more than 20 members of Congress to receive first-hand information about the Organization’s mission and programs; learn more about the Americas and its cultural treasures; and appreciate the positive impact that the OAS has had in the region. Members of Congress who visited the OAS exhibition included: Representative Robert B. Aderholt, (R-AL), Representative  John Campbell, (R-CA), Representative Chris Cannon, (R-UT), Representative Lois Capps, (D-CA), Representative Thomas Davis, (R-VA), Representative Norman Dicks, (D-WA), Representative John D. Dingell, (D-MI), Representative Vernon Ehlers, (R-MI), Representative Bob Etheridge, (D-NC), Representative Jim Gerlach, (R-PA), Representative Wayne Gilchrest, (R-MD), Representative Dale E. Kidee, (D-MI), Representative Joseph Knollenberg, (R-MI),  Representative Doug Lamborn, (R-CO),  Representative James P. McGovern, (D-MA), Representative David E. Price, (D-NC), Representative Nick J Rahall II, (D-WV),  Representative Tom Udall, (D-NM), Representative Henry A. Waxman, (D-CA), and Representative Charlie Wilson, (D-OH).           The 2008 Taste America event had more than 500 participants, including Members of the U.S. Congress, representatives from other nations and members of the business community. OAS high level representatives and ambassadors including Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin; the Secretary for External Relations, Suzanne Laporte; the director of the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), Carol Fuller; and the Head of OAS-USA Relations, Jane Thery, as well as OAS ambassadors Pedro Oyarce from Chile, Michael Louis from Saint Lucia, Jacques R. C. Kross from Suriname, Glenda Morean-Phillip from Trinidad and Tobago, and Maria del Lujan Flores from Uruguay participated in the event and were actively engaging in conversations with Members of Congress, as part of the efforts to promote OAS programs on Capitol Hill.
July 16, 2008	OAS Representatives take part in the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute's Second Annual Future Leaders Conference On July 16, the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) hosted the Second Annual Future Leaders Conference in the main building of the Organization of American States (OAS). More than 250 students and interns attended the conference. Timely issues such as poverty reduction and governance in the Americas were addressed by notable speakers from the public and private sector. The conference opened with remarks from Octavio A. Hinojosa, Executive Director of CHLI and Representative Lincoln Diaz Balart, Chairman of CHLI. Both speakers recognized the interest of these young professionals in addressing current issues and encouraged them to remain involved locally to tackle global issues. United States Ambassador to the OAS, Hector Morales, spoke about the importance in securing democracy and governance in the Hemisphere to ensure stability in the entire region. Ambassador Morales outlined the role and importance of international organizations, such as the OAS, in attaining these objectives. The Honorable Anna Escobedo Cabral, U.S. Treasurer, and Mr. Jose Cardenas, Acting Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean, U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), were the main speakers in the first panel, “Promoting Economic Development in the Americas.” Both speakers emphasized the need to bring economic development to the neighboring countries in the South and the Caribbean as a means to bring security and democratic governance in the Western Hemisphere. Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the OAS, spoke about the responsibility of the OAS in protecting human rights, reducing poverty, strengthening multidimensional security and promoting democracy and governance in the Western Hemisphere. Insulza highlighted the role of the organization in securing transparency in the electoral processes in the region. The Secretary General mentioned that for the first time in history all the governments in the Western hemisphere were democratically elected. During the second panel, “A Survey of the Political Landscape of the Americas” Hemispheric issues ranging from global warming to the economy to regional integration were discussed by the Honorable Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan of Mexico, Congressman Eliot Engel, Chairman, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, and Ms. Wendy Martinez, Specialist, OAS Secretariat for Political Affairs. After a brief interlude, the third and final panel, “Public-Private Partnerships in the Americas,” consisted of Mr. Hector Romero from Banco Azteca/Grupo Salinas in Mexico, Mr. Fabian Koss from the Inter-American Development Bank, Ms. Valarie Mendoza representing the Young Americas Business Trust, and Mr. Miguel A. Porrúa from the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development. The topics discussed centered on the growing influence of the youth in the Americas and the world and the need of companies to harness and nurture that power. With over 40 internship programs participating, the conference was a great success that not only helped to connect the professional youth in D.C. with each other, but also to bring the voice of the youth on hemispheric issues into the political dialogue. Photo Gallery For more information on the CHLI Leadership Program log on to:  http://www.chli.org/?video_program
April 30, 2008	Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) participated in the celebration event of the OAS 60th Anniversary The Honorable Senator Christopher J. Dodd was invited to speak at the Celebration of the 60 years of the OAS Charter on April 30, 2008.  In front of distinguished guests at the OAS historic headquarters, the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Affairs discussed the future challenges for Inter-American relations.  Senator Dodd stated that future struggles should be met not only with an examination of history but also by, “looking forward to the challenges of the 21st century with both the optimism and wisdom earned through our common geography.” Senator Dodd also noted that the hemisphere is transitioning into a new era and called on nations to empower the OAS to meet the new challenges in the hemisphere in the areas of public security and the rule of law, the reduction of poverty and inequality, and energy integration.  Senator Dodd also stressed that all individual countries cannot meet these challenges fully without the OAS. Photo Gallery Remarks by Senator Dodd
April 10, 2008	OAS Secretary General Insulza Reports before the United States Congress on the Steps Taken by the OAS to mediate between Ecuador and Colombia The OAS Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza, was invited to address the House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and to respond to questions by Members of Congress on the conflict between Ecuador and Colombia, its impact on the region and the diplomatic role of the OAS in mediating the situation. During his statement, Secretary General Insulza clarified the main points in the Resolution RC.25/RES.1/08 adopted during the Twenty-Fifth Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs that took place on March 17, 2008. This resolution mandated the Secretary General to designate a Special Mission to travel to the two countries to search for a solution to end the crisis.  Photo Gallery Press Release Testimony Video Transmission
April 9, 2008	OAS Delegation Calls for Urgent Short Term Assistance to Haiti The Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Albert Ramdin, led an OAS delegation to the the United States Congress to brief members of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere on developments in Haiti. Ramdin urged Congress to pass the Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act-II, promoting development and investment in Haiti. Ramdin and the delegation including Ambassadors Cornelius A. Smith (Bahamas); Osmar Chohfi (Brazil); Graeme Clark (Canada); Duly Brutus (Haiti); and Hector Morales (United States) also briefed the Members of Congress on the role of the OAS in helping to consolidate gains made in Haiti, including political stability and public security. Press Release Photo Gallery
March 31, 2008	OAS Assistant Secretary General, Albert Ramdin, meets with U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) The Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Albert Ramdin, met with United States Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) in his Congressional offices to exchange views on the current political, social, and economic conditions of the Hemisphere, the situation in Haiti as well as a number of issues of common interest. Ramdin briefed the Congressmen on the situation and Haiti and they exchanged dialogue on the upcoming Coast Guard authorization Bill which will include the training and donation of a number of U.S. vessels to Haiti. Congressman Oberstar is the Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over the nation's surface transportation, international maritime commerce, and the Economic  Development Administration among other issues. Photo Gallery Press Release
November 17, 2007	Director of CICTE, Carol S. Fuller, meets with Congressman Ron Klein (D-FL) On November 15th, 2007, Carol S. Fuller, Director of the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), met with Congressman Ron Klein (D-FL) as a follow-up to his recent meeting with Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin. Congressman Klein has explored options to strengthen national security and support international counterterrorism, especially in the Americas. As a member of the House Western Hemisphere Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, both under the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, he introduced on May 15th, 2007 –jointly with Representative Connie Mack (FL-14)- a resolution calling on the U.S. government to work with countries in the Western Hemisphere to combat terrorism. Based on this particular interest, Ms. Carol Fuller provided him with an overview of the work of CICTE and the programs currently in place.
November 1, 2007	Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin, OAS Assistant Secretary General, meets with Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO) On November 1, OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin, met with Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO) to present the programs of the OAS and exchange views on hemispheric issues. Ambassador Ramdin explained that the three main areas of the OAS: democracy, development and security, are intertwined and also encompass non-traditional issues, especially in the area of security, such as natural disasters, economic disruption, public safety, the drug trade and criminal gangs. Congressman Lamborn noted the importance of the OAS as a multilateral option for constructive cooperation in the Americas and lauded the initiative of the OAS participation in the "Taste of the Americas" reception in the US Capitol, held in August every year. He made the point that the United States needs to improve the level and quality of relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. Congressman Lamborn was particularly interested in the work of the Inter-American Defense Board and the Inter-American Defense College as he has recently joint the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee. He commented that his district in Colorado houses major US Army and Air Force facilities. Ambassador Ramdin noted the importance of a positive position on the US-Colombia trade agreement, given the significant progress there on development and security. Congressman Lamborn said that he was looking forward to his upcoming visit to Colombia with a delegation headed by US Commerce Secretary Gutierrez. The meeting ended with an agreement to provide Congressman Lamborn with more information on OAS programs and explore options for a visit with the Inter-American Defense Board. Photo Gallery
October 31, 2007	Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin, OAS Assistant Secretary General, meets with Congressman Ron Klein (D-FL) On October 31, OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin, met with Congressman Ron Klein (D-FL) to present the work of the OAS and exchange views on hemispheric issues. Ambassador Ramdin introduced the OAS' three themes of democracy, security and development. He noted that he had recently been in Medellin, Colombia and was very impressed with the progress achieved by the city and country in terms of development and security. Ambassador Ramdin noted the importance of a positive position regarding the US-Colombia trade agreement in recognition of this progress and to provide stable trade rules to support future progress on employment generation and economic development. On security matters, Ambassador Ramdin noted that many of the smaller countries of the region do not have the capacity to meet the new security requirements for goods shipped to the US and would need assistance. Congressman Klein said that he is interested in additional information on the programs of the OAS, especially in the areas of security and anti-terrorism. Photo Gallery
September 28, 2007	Assistant Secretary General of OAS Tells U.S. Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference About Hemispheric Security Initiatives Through an updated security agenda, the Organization of American States (OAS) has been actively engaged in helping the region tackle major security challenges of illegal trafficking in drugs, weapons trafficking, transnational organized crime, the emergence of non-state criminal networks, economic dislocations and natural disasters. Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin, the OAS Assistant Secretary General, underscored these and other issues as he addressed today’s session of the 2007 Annual Legislative Conference Issues Forum of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Convened by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY), the session on “Homeland Security, Terrorism and the Caribbean” focused on Third Border, Container Security and Megaports Initiatives, and drew participation from more than 100 representatives of the African American community from across the United States. Ramdin opened the session highlighting the major security challenges and noting how, based on the new security agenda launched by the OAS member states at a 2002 meeting in Barbados, the hemispheric body has strengthened the work of its Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacture of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA), the Inter-American Committee on Terrorism (CICTE), activities of the Department of Public Security and new initiatives to strengthen cooperation among national governments and international organizations. Ambassador Ramdin concluded his remarks by seeking to stimulate discussion during the session on proposals concerning: strengthening law enforcement; increasing the sharing of intelligence; recognizing cross border ramifications of national threats; enhancing cooperation between the Caribbean nations and the US states bordering the Caribbean region; and increasing investment in social policies to combat criminality and poverty, especially among youth. Among the recommendations emanating from the questions and answer period, was the need for: (a) Caribbean governments to design and cost a comprehensive multidimensional security program as the basis for formal discussions with the US government; (b) sustained collaboration between the management of correctional facilities in the region; (c) field research on the impact in “receiving countries” of the repatriation of criminals from the USA. The session included presentations by diplomats from the Embassies of Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago as well as specialists on ports security, economic development in the Caribbean, crime prevention and security cooperation. Photo Gallery Ambassador Ramdin's Speech
September 19, 2007	Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin, OAS Assistant Secretary General, Participates at the U.S. Congressional Caribbean Caucus Sustainable development, promoting investment, improving education and confronting crime and the threat of natural disasters are among the major challenges facing the Americas, the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin, told members of the United States Congressional Caribbean Caucus. In his remarks to the Congressional Caucus Wednesday night, Ramdin said that “the hemisphere faces challenges that we must tackle collectively.” He underscored the firm commitment of the OAS on these issues, but asserted that “a pro-active and holistic approach, with the collaboration among government, civil society and the private sector,” is essential. “The OAS stands ready to build on the progress attained and to make sure that we continue to work to confront problems that are transnational and borderless — crime, the fight against terrorism, HIV/AIDS, promotion of economic growth and development and a fundamental strengthening of the relationship between the United States of America and the nations of the Caribbean,” he said. The Assistant Secretary General, who shared the stage with Premier Ewart Brown of Bermuda, stressed the need to broaden and intensify the strategic partnership and cooperation between and among countries, as well as with the international community.
September 12, 2007	OAS Assistant Secretary General, Albert Ramdin, meets with the Representative of the 11th Congressional District of New York, Yvette Clarke, in Capitol Hill Location: United States Capitol Photo Gallery
September 4-5, 2007	Members of Congress Participate in the Eleventh Annual CAF Conference 2007 on Trade and Investment in the Americas Five U.S. Congress members and the deputy U.S. trade representative spoke to conference participants at a panel moderated by OAS Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza, about what to expect from the United States, especially in terms of trade agreements, immigration, and aid. U.S. Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY), discussed aid to Colombia for the drug war; Representative Xavier Bacerra (D-CA) brought up the issues of environmental and worker protection in trade agreements; Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) likewise underscored the significance of trade agreements, but also highlighted issues such as natural disasters, energy and security as important to U.S. policy in the region; John Veroneau, deputy U.S. trade representative, challenged criticisms from the Congressmen; and Representatives Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Jim Matheson (D-UT) were both optimistic on the future of more viable trade agreements between the U.S. and Latin America.
August 2, 2007	THE OAS PARTICIPATED IN THE 2007 TASTE OF THE AMERICAS RECEPTION: For the second consecutive year the OAS was invited to participate at the 16th Taste of the Americas annual reception that took place at the Congressional Members’ Dining Room of the U.S. Capitol, on August 2nd 2007. The theme for this year’s reception was the Great Outdoors, selected to celebrate outdoor life and recreation. This event was a unique opportunity to display cuisine and lifestyle of the Western Hemisphere to members of Congress before their summer recess. The OAS stand displayed images of the most representative and amazing outdoors scenarios of the region. Likewise, contributions from the OAS member countries made it possible to have a great selection of food and wine from all over the region. The 2007’ Taste America event had more than 500 participants, including members of the US Congress, representatives from other nations and members of the business community. More than 15 members of Congress came by, including Representative Henry Waxman (D-California), Representative Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado). Representative Charles Wilson (D-Ohio), Representative W. Todd Akin  (R- Missouri), Representative Ciro D. Rodriguez ( D- Texas), Representative Lloyd Dogget (D- Texas), Representative David Davis ( R- Tennessee), Representative Zoe Lofren (D-California), Representative Jason Altmire (D-Pennsylvania), Representative Tim Holden (D- Pennsylvania), Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D – Arizona), Representative Jason Altmire (D- Pennsylvania), Representative Michael Doyle (D- Pennsylvania), Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R-California) and Representative Steve Chabot (R-Ohio). The OAS was represented at this event by Ambassador Maria de Lujan Flores, Permanent Representative of Uruguay to the OAS, and Ambassador Izben Williams Permanent Representative of St. Kitts & Nevis to the OAS. Additionally, Frank Almaguer, OAS Under Secretary of Administration and Finance; Alfonso Quiñónez, Executive Secretary for Integral Development; Alexandre Addor-Neto, Under Secretary for Multidimensional Security; Jane Thery, OAS Congressional Liaison; and Sonia Johnny from the OAS Department of Tourism were present to promote the work of the organization among participants. (Photo gallery)
August 2, 2007	Meeting of the OAS Director of Sustainable Development with Congressman Mike Honda On August 2, Jane Thery, OAS Congressional Liaison, Department of External Relations, and Scott Vaughan, Director, Department of Sustainable Development, met with Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) to follow-up on his expressed interest on energy work with the OAS. Congressman Honda was part of the CODEL to the OAS General Assembly in June 2007. Jennifer Van der Heide Escobar, Chief of Staff and Foreign Policy Advisor, and Eric Werwa, Legislative Director, also joined the meeting. Mr. Vaughn gave an overview of the Department of Sustainable Development's work on energy as a follow-up to the General Assembly meeting, as well as related issues regarding the implementation of environmental provisions under sub-regional free trade agreements. Congressman Honda was interested in on-the-ground implementation of environmental agreements, decentralized/community/household-based access to energy and to information technology, and alleviation of poverty. Congressman Honda expressed support for OAS initiatives to push the implementation of environmental agreements. He would also be interested in participating in an energy ministerial meeting to be held in Washington, D.C. in March of next year.
June 26, 2007	Testimony of Linda Eddelman, Executive Director of Trust for the Americas, to the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere On June 26, 2007, Linda Eddelman, Executive Director of Trust for the Americas, testified to the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere on violence in Central America. Eddelman's Testimony All Testimonies
June 25, 2007	OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, meets with Charles Rangel, Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee and Sander Levin, Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee On June 25, 2007 Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza met with Representative Rangel (D-NY), Chairman of the House of Representative Ways and Means Committee and Sander Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee.  They met to discuss the ATPDEA trade preferences program for Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia as well as the prospects for FTAs with Panama, Colombia and Peru.  At the meeting, they discussed the condition of US relations with Latin America, human rights problems in Colombia, development constraints on economies based on the export of one primary product and the specific legislative mechanism needed to extend the ATPDEA.   Both Members of Congress were supportive of the work of the OAS in the region. Photo gallery
June 4, 2007	Representatives from OAS Member States as well as OAS Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General Meet with Five-Member Delegation from the U.S. Congress in Panama City On June 4, a five-member delegation from the U.S. Congress met with representatives from the OAS member states as well as Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, and Assistant Secretary General, Albert Ramdin, to discuss U.S. relations in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. The meeting brought up issues of concern for member countries in their bilateral relations with the United States, with immigration and trade taking top priority. During the luncheon, the Secretary General emphasized the necessity for mutual cooperation amongst all the countries in the region, especially with the rise and significance of globalization. Photo gallery
June 1, 2007	Congressional Delegation participates in the events held in the framework of the XXXVII Session of the OAS General Assembly On June 1, a delegation of Representatives from the U.S. Congress arrived in Panama to participate in the activities organized in the framework of the 37th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly. The delegation included Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Jean Schmidt (R-OH), Mike McNulty (D-NY), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-NY), and Mike Honda (D-CA). The delegation took part in numerous activities with representatives of the Member States, private sector, and OAS officials including an international forum on recent intensive electoral cycles in the Americas. For more information on the activities of the Congressional Delegation at the General Assembly, please click here. Photo Gallery
May 22, 2007	OAS Secretary General meets with Senator Mel Martinez of Florida On May 22, 2007, the OAS Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza, met with Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL). During the meeting, Insulza and Martinez discussed the need to increase U.S. interest in Latin America. The exchange focused on support for the FTAs with Colombia, Peru, and Panama as well as the preferential trade agreement extensions for Bolivia and Ecuador. They also discussed the future of immigration reform and U.S. policy toward Cuba. Senator Martinez expressed his full support for the OAS and offered to facilitate future engagement on improving U.S.-Latin American relations. Photo Gallery
March 30, 2007	OAS SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS WITH SENATOR MENENDEZ The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, met today in Washington with Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance. They exchanged views on a number of hemispheric issues, including the numerous elections held in the region last year and the need to improve the quality of government  to facilitate development. They also talked about the role of the OAS in relation to Senator Menendez’ proposed Social Investment and Economic Development Fund for the Americas. Photo gallery
March 8, 2007	OAS Secretary General Meets with Congressman Sander Levin    On Thursday, March 8, 2007, OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza met with Congressman Sander Levin (D-MI) on Capitol Hill.  Congressman Levin is Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. He is actively involved in trade policies of interest to the OAS Members States.  During the meeting, Secretary General Insulza and Congressman Levin discussed trade issues in Congress including the pending Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama and Peru, renewal of Trade Promotion Authority and extension of trade preferences for Bolivia and Ecuador.  Congressman Levin was particularly interested in the possibility of including stronger labor standards in future trade agreements. Photo gallery
March 7, 2007	Meeting of the OAS Secretary General with the US House of Representatives Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Secretary General José Miguel Insulza met with members of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee and its Western Hemisphere Subcommittee on March 7 to exchange ideas about hemispheric issues.  The meeting was hosted and chaired by Eliot Engel (D-NJ), Chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee. Present at the meeting were: Ilena Ros Lehtinen (R-FL) – Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Bill Delahunt (D-MA) – Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight; Member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Gene Green (D-TX) – Member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chris Smith (R-NJ) – Member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee The Secretary General discussed the role of the US Congress on strengthening legislatures in the Americas, stopping trafficking in persons and participation of a Congressional delegation in the OAS General Assembly in Panama this summer. Photo gallery
February 9, 2007	OAS SECRETARY GENERAL VISITS SENATOR LUGAR OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza met today with Senator Richard Lugar (R-Indiana), the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. They discussed recent political and economic developments in the region and exchanged ideas about possible energy policies and their implications for trade relations between the United States and Latin America. Photo gallery
February 8, 2007	OAS Secretary General Visits Capitol Hill to Meet with US Congressman Eliot Engel  The Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza and the add Head of the Secretariat for Political Affairs, Dante Caputo, met with Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) on Thursday February 8, 2007.  Rep. Engel is the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, a committee with jurisdiction over many issues that the US Congress and the OAS have in common.  The meeting, which took place in the Congressman’s office on Capitol Hill, allowed OAS officials and Rep. Engel to exchange ideas concerning possible future work together in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Issues discussed included: the results of last year’s elections in Latin-America and the Caribbean, new trade agreements for the region, and development assistance.  OAS programs in Haiti and concerns regarding the Caribbean including conditions in the Dominican Republic, which Rep. Engel visited in December 2006, were also discussed. Photo gallery
February 5, 2007	OAS Secretary General Meets with Chair of US Congress Ways and Means Committee, Charles Rangel On Monday February 5, 2007 the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza, the Assistant Secretary General, Albert Ramdin, and Director of the Office of Trade, Competitiveness and Tourism, Sherry Stephenson, met on Capitol Hill with Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, the Black Caucus, and the Hispanic Caucus The OAS officials and Congressman Rangel exchanged views on initiatives of common interest to the OAS and the US Congress, and the possible work they can do together to promote development in the Western Hemisphere. Main issues discussed during the meeting included:  U.S. foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere, political developments in the Americas, development challenges in the region, Haiti, the Caribbean Conference in the U.S., and current trade agreements. Photo gallery
September 14, 2006:	HIGH LEVEL OAS AUTHORITIES BRIEF A GROUP OF U.S. CONGRESSIONAL SENIOR STAFF ON PROGRAMS AND PRIORITIES OF THE ORGANIZATION   The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Jose Miguel Insulza, and Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin today met with a group of U.S. Congressional senior staff to inform them about the most relevant issues pertaining to the Hemisphere. “Regional integration, poverty, crime, development and governance in the Americas are among the main challenges we face,” Insulza said. The Secretary General briefed the Capitol Hill staffers on the most important programs of the OAS and the work it carries out in areas such as electoral observation missions, human rights and the strengthening of democracy in the hemisphere. Photo gallery
July 27, 2006 From Left: Frank Almaguer, OAS Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration, Congressman Bill Thomas (R-CA), Chairman, House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, Jane Thery, Chief, OAS Institutional Relations, Alfonso Quinones, OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development	TASTE AMERICA 2006 On July 27, 2006, the Department of External Relations organized an OAS presentation at the Taste America event in the US Capitol Building. On invitation from the Taste America group, the OAS offered a selection of foods from the region and a display on the work of the OAS to a crowd of over 500 people, including members of the US Congress, representatives from other nations and members of the business community. Congressman Bill Thomas (R-CA) and Congressman Bill Delahunt (D-MA) visited the OAS table. Participants from the OAS included Frank Almaguer, OAS Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration, Congressman Bill Thomas (R-CA), Chairman, House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, Jane Thery, Chief, Institutional Relations of the Department of External Relations and OAS liaison to the US Congress, Alfonso Quinones, OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development, Ambassador Velasquez of Nicaragua, Ambassador Rodrigue of Haiti, Ambassador Chohfi of Brazil, Frank Almaguer, Assistant Secretary for Administration and Finance, Alfonso Quinones, Executive Secretary for Integral Development, and Jane Thery, Chief, Institutional Relations of the Department of External Relations and OAS liaison to the US Congress. The foods of the Americas were donated by the Permanent Missions to the OAS of Belice, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Uruguay and Venezuela. Photo Gallery
June 27, 2006	OAS SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS WITH MEMBERS OF U.S. CONGRESS 2:00 p.m., 2200, Rayburn House Office Building Members Only Meeting with His Excellency Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General, Organization of American States; The Honorable John Maisto, U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS; and His Excellency Roberto Alvarez, Permanent Representative to the OAS from the Dominican Republic. During an official visit to the United States House of Representatives today, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, outlined the main issues and achievements of the thirty-sixth regular session of the OAS General Assembly held at the beginning of the month in the Dominican Republic, under the central theme of “Good Governance and Development in the Knowledge-based Society.”  more....
March 30, 2006: 10:30 p.m., 2172 Rayburn House Office Building Hearing: Counternarcotics Strategies in Latin America Hearing Notice, The Honorable Dan Burton, The Honorable Anne W. Patterson, Mr. Michael A. Braun, The Honorable James F. Mack, Ms. Joy Olso
March 1, 2006 OAS Secretary General Speaks with Members of Congress Prepared by Megan Fletcher Event: Congressional Members Working Group dinner with OAS Secretary General Date: March 1, 2006 Featuring: José Miguel Insulza, secretary general of the OAS; John Maisto, U.S. ambassador to the OAS; Anne Patterson, assistant secretary of state; Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN); Representatives William Delahunt (D-MA), Eliot Engel (D-NY), James Moran (D-VA), Charles Rangel (D-NY), Jerry Weller (R-IL), and Nita Lowey (D-NY). According to José Miguel Insulza, secretary general of the Organization of the America States, the root of Latin America's fragile political situation is the region's persistent poverty and inequality. At a March 1 dinner with the Inter-American Dialogue's Congressional Members Working Group, Insulza explained that the lack of public sector capacity to deal with deep social and economic crises, the propensity for corruption, the loss of majorities in Congress, and poor law enforcement all compound the problem. As a forum for multilateral dialogue and democracy-promotion in the hemisphere, the OAS can only advise and report on countries in the region. Focusing on the quality of democratic governance in the hemisphere, Insulza focused his remarks on five countries. The OAS worked closely with Bolivia's interim government to hold free and fair elections after the resignation of President Carlos Mesa in June 2005. The country struggles with polarizing regionalism and the fundamental implementation of policy, including transparency, Insulza said. Nicaragua continues to confront legislative paralysis as it prepares for its decisive November 2006 presidential elections with OAS assistance. Political leaders in Ecuador are unwilling to negotiate compromises with partisan and ideological opponents. The last three presidents have been forced to resign from office. Haiti confronts the deepest crisis in democratic institutions and governance in the region. Although René Préval was elected president with an unquestionable majority of the popular vote, parliamentary elections scheduled for March will determine the potential for executive-legislative cooperation. The OAS recently created a national registry of citizens in order to issue identification cards for the February 7 presidential elections. In Colombia, the central government has little control over regions of the country plagued by drug-fueled civil conflict. The OAS is involved in monitoring progress in the demobilization of the paramilitaries. Thomas Shannon, assistant secretary of state for the Western Hemisphere, emphasized the need to support the OAS as an indispensable organization, increasingly focused on political capacity-building and institution-strengthening in the region. Dinner was hosted by Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) and Representative William Delahunt (D-MA). Other participating members of Congress included Representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY), James Moran (D-VA), Charles Rangel (D-NY), Jerry Weller (R-IL), and Nita Lowey (D-NY), who is the new ranking democrat on the International Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. John Maisto, U.S. ambassador to the OAS, and Anne Patterson, assistant secretary of state with the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement also participated. Additional participants from the OAS included: Albert Ramdin, assistant secretary general; Elizabeth Spehar, director for Promotion of Democracy; Mariclaire Acosta, director for Promotion of Governance; Victor Rico, director of Crisis Prevention and Special Missions; and Jane Thery, chief of institutional relations.

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