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Korean Donation Boosts Special Mission in Haiti
as well as OAS Peace Fund
E-112/03 June 3, 2003
Delivering his government’s latest contribution, Korea’s
Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Han
Sung-Joo, said it underscores how Korea appreciates “the leading role that the
OAS has played in facilitating the peaceful resolution of territorial disputes.”
The Korean gift package presented to OAS Assistant Secretary General Luigi R.
Einaudi today included US$20,000 for the Organization’s Fund for Peace, and
$100,000 worth of equipment for the OAS Special Mission for Strengthening
Democracy in Haiti. The latter includes three vehicles (SUVs) as well as
computers and other equipment for the Special Mission.
“In recent years, the reputation of the OAS as a promoter, defender and bulwark
for security and democracy in the Western Hemisphere has become more and more
solid,” declared the Korean diplomat, who is also Ambassador to the United
States. “Today, more than ever, the OAS has been called upon whenever peace,
democracy or human rights are threatened,” he went on to note. “As a result of
its achievements, the OAS has increasingly been invited by parties to assist in
finding a peaceful resolution to their disputes.”
Ambassador Han said his government believes the success of OAS efforts “is
beneficial not only to OAS member countries, but also to the world as a whole.”
Assistant Secretary General Einaudi noted that Korea has actively supported
various OAS activities and initiatives since becoming an observer, one of the
first Asian nations to do so—on June 3, 1981. Ambassador Einaudi explained that
the gifts for the Special Mission in Haiti are especially welcome, “not just
because they come from Korea, but also because they come at this time when it is
important to show our support for Haiti.”
The contribution for the transitional process between Belize and Guatemala was
also very timely, he stressed, because it will help fund the newly-established
OAS office that will be working in the Adjacency Zone between the two countries
to, among other things, monitor how confidence-building measures are being
implemented.
Among those attending the presentation ceremony were Ambassadors of Lisa Shoman
of Belize, Víctor Hugo Godoy Morales of Guatemala and Raymond Valcin of Haiti,
who all expressed appreciation on their respective governments’ behalf. |
