MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Insulza: “lack of dialogue with Cuba is only temporary”

OAS Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza

The Organization of American States Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza said he hoped the lack of dialogue with Cuba is only temporary recalling that the majority of OAS members have bilateral relations with the island's government.

"I hope that the lack of dialogue about or with Cuba is only a temporary situation. We cannot help the people of Cuba if we cannot talk to them" said Insulza who pointed out that it is the government of Cubaâ€""not the people and country of Cuba"â€"that has been excluded from active participation in the OAS since 1962. Speaking at the West Indies University in Kingston, Jamaica Insulza said democracy had made significant progress in Latin America and the Caribbean. The prevalence of "free and fair" elections observed by the OAS last year, he said, "is a signal of how far we have come". Insulza emphasized the significance of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, adopted in 2001, which he said establishes the principle that "governments not only have to pass laws via a democratic process, but their enforcement of these laws must also be democratic". The OAS Secretary General also addressed the issues of integral development, peace and security. "Our hemisphere has made significant strides in furthering social and economic development, but we still need to harmonize the many varying development plans and strategies so that we can make progress together". Insulza noted the challenges facing the small economies of the Caribbean in light of the loss of trade preferences for agricultural export commodities, but said he was "encouraged by the determination, purpose and resolve with which regional leaders are facing this and other challenges." "The establishment of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy stands as arguably the most significant achievement in the history of the Caribbean's integration movement" said Insulza. "Full integration will provide this region with the scale necessary to reduce your vulnerability to external shocks," he added, as he pledged OAS support for this initiative. Insulza also underscored the role the OAS has played in resolving regional conflicts peacefully, through dialogue and cooperation, as has been the case in Nicaragua, Ecuador and other countries. He noted the significant progress that has been made towards "a just and timely resolution" of some long-standing territorial issues, including those involving Belize and Guatemala. He cautioned, however, that in the area of security and stability, Haiti continues to be a concern. "We as a region are truly committed to working together to promote peace and stability" in that country, he added. "I think it is significant that the Caribbean and Latin America have been overwhelming in their response to Haiti's calls for support," Insulza said. He added that "the support being provided by the Latin Americans is complemented by the Caribbean's decision to readmit Haiti into the Caribbean Community. This is not only an important gesture of solidarity, but also a necessary step in helping Haiti reinsert itself into the global economy."