FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Statement on the 43rd OAS General Assembly
Press Statement
Jen Psaki
Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
June 7, 2013
The United States welcomes the Declaration of Antigua, Guatemala, "For a Comprehensive Policy Against the World Drug Problem in the Americas," adopted by consensus at the 43rd General Assembly of the Organization of American States. This declaration reaffirms the commitment of the nations of the hemisphere to work in partnership to strengthen the rule of law, stem the flow of illegal drugs, and engage in best practices with regard to prevention, rehabilitation, and treatment of our citizens affected by drug addiction and abuse.
The United States also welcomes the election of U.S. candidate James Cavallaro, professor at Stanford Law School, who will make a significant contribution to the independent and respected Inter-American Commission on Human Rights – a founding pillar of the Western Hemisphere’s human rights architecture. The election of Professor Cavallaro, Jose de Jesus Orozco of Mexico, and Pablo de Tarso Vanucchi of Brazil is an affirmation of the core values of the OAS to promote and defend human rights in the Americas.
The United States is committed to supporting the Organization of American States and advancing its essential role as the hemisphere’s premier multilateral organization. We congratulate the government of Guatemala for its successful hosting of the General Assembly and the leadership of the OAS for its work in supporting democracy, advancing hemispheric security, fostering development, and promoting and protecting human rights throughout the Americas.
