MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Shannon praises Valenzuela and lists agenda of pending issues

Thomas Shannon Assistant Secretary

Thomas Shannon Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs who is to be replaced by Arturo Valenzuela said on Wednesday the incoming official will face “difficult challenges” in the management of relations with Latinamerica.

Shannon revealed he called Valenzuela to congratulate him for his nomination and talk about pending issues in the region. The area has been Shannon’s responsibility since 2005 when former president George W. Bush named him to replace Roger Noriega.

A diplomat with 25 years experience Shannon will be retiring from the diplomatic service as soon as Valenzuela is confirmed by the US Senate.

Addressing the Conference of the Americas at the State Department Shannon said Valenzuela will be taking office at a moment of “great opportunities” for relations between the US and Latinamerica.

When asked about the main challenges his successor will have to address Shannon mentioned drugs related violence, not only in Mexico but also in Central America and certain countries in the Caribbean.

“There’s been a good start”, pointed out Shannon recalling that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Obama visited Mexico in April to hold talks with President Felipe Calderon and that the Summit of the Americas a few days later in Trinidad Tobago, both had the chance to talk with all the Central American and Caribbean leaders.

Second in the agenda he mentioned the current global crisis. He recalled that small countries in the region have received US aid to face the downturn and President Obama strategy has been to “keep the hemisphere open” to trade which must be the “basic thrust for development”.

He also mentioned that security in the area must not be left aside and said the Obama administration was already working on that issue, “which is most positive”.

The Conference of the Americas is promoted by the US Council of the Americas.