June 29, 2012 - The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), today announced that Canada has accepted an invitation from José Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), to join a fact-finding mission to Paraguay related to the recent presidential impeachment. The OAS delegation will arrive in Asunción, Paraguay on July 1, 2012 for two days of meetings with a range of political and social stakeholders.
“Canada’s participation demonstrates its strong support for the Organization of American States as the leading forum for cooperation in the hemisphere,” said Minister Ablonczy. “Canada’s participation also demonstrates our commitment to democratic governance and is consistent with Canada’s partnership with its neighbours in the Americas.”
The mission is welcomed by Paraguay. Canada’s Permanent Representative to the OAS will join representatives from a number of other countries in a mission to assess the situation and developments surrounding the recent impeachment of Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo. The final report will be authored by OAS Secretary General Insulza.
Minister Ablonczy added, “I am confident this mission will provide important context from Paraguay to inform international reaction. It is important that we avoid a rush to judgment and focus on the best interests of the Paraguayan people.”
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