(No. 115 - March 26, 2010 - 10 a.m. ET) The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), today offered his congratulations to José Miguel Insulza and Albert Ramdin on their being re-elected as secretary general and assistant secretary general, respectively, of the Organization of American States (OAS).
“I appreciate the strong working relationship I have with Secretary General Insulza in the pursuit of common goals and the upholding and promotion of important collective principles of the OAS, such as those enshrined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter,” said Minister of State Kent. “As the Secretary General embarks on his second term, I look forward to building upon the close collaboration that has developed between Canada and the OAS.
“Canada also recognizes the important contributions that Assistant Secretary General Ramdin has made to the OAS, including his dedicated efforts in relation to Haiti.”
The OAS held elections for the positions of secretary general and assistant secretary general on March 24, 2010. Secretary General Insulza and Assistant Secretary General Ramdin were both re-elected by acclamation during yesterday’s special session of the OAS General Assembly, marking the end of a process that included consultations between the candidates and OAS member states and civil society representatives from throughout the Americas.
“As we celebrate our 20th year of membership in the OAS, Canada remains fully committed to a strong and effective OAS as the principal mechanism for addressing hemispheric challenges,” said Minister of State Kent.
“The continued leadership of Secretary General Insulza and Assistant Secretary General Ramdin on key issues, such as the strengthening of democratic governance, the promotion and defence of human rights, and reforms designed to improve the Organization’s transparency and put it on a sustainable financial footing, will be essential in ensuring that the hemisphere’s premier political forum is effectively positioned to meet the needs of the people of the Americas,” said the Minister of State.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Eleanor Johnston
Senior Special Assistant (Communications)
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas)
613-947-8981
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
