MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Continental lobbying for OAS seat.

Mexico's Foreign Affairs Minister Luis Ernesto Derbez announced Monday from Honduras he has 21 votes which are sufficient for his election as the next Organization of American States Secretary General.

"With the support of Honduras and twenty other votes I'm the next Secretary General", said Mr. Derbez adding that "we all wish OAS has the sufficient strength to solve the hemisphere's problems, with a vision shared by all country members".

The other candidate is Jose Miguel Insulza from Chile who is sponsored by Mercosur and Venezuela.

Mr. Derbez was supported by United States, Canada, and Colombia among others.

In the first round of voting both candidates managed in five successive calls 17 votes, one short of the required half plus one of OAS member countries. A second vote is scheduled for May 2.

"The governments of Mexico and Chile have proposed us because they have a clear vision of the hemisphere, which is above unilateral interests, and based in international law", underlined Mr. Derbez.

However Mr. Derbez who visited neighbouring Honduras to sign a maritime borders agreement in the Caribbean, insisted that, "my candidacy is the best option ?and I'm convinced I'll win".

Meantime Chilean president was visiting his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva who reiterated support for Mr. Insulza. From Brazil President Lagos will be flying to Venezuela and Colombia for further lobbying.

But since the May 2 vote is opened to all hopefuls, Nicaragua over the weekend announced it was proposing as a "consensus" candidate former Foreign Affairs Minister Ernesto Leal.

If the proposal takes off, it could hinder Mr. Derbez expectations since Central American countries usually vote in a block.

"This would mean less votes for the Mexican candidate and help Mr. Insulza win", said Chilean Senator Gabriel Valdez and president of Chile's junior partner in the ruling coalition.

Nevertheless Mr. Valdez highlighted that "without Brazil OAS won't work, and this also applies to Washington, so the real negotiation must take place between these two countries".