OAS at 60: Is it mature enough to solve regional challenges?

Caracas, Venezuela, 1 June, 2008. Today,  Organization of American States (OAS) started its XXXVIII General Assembly in Medellin, Colombia, devoted to youth and democratic values. It has certainly been a long and difficult road to its 60th anniversary. Regional changes have some times been resolved by its mediating hand. Other times, it has blundered badly. However, there is still much expectation on the regional role the 34-state-members OAS can play in the Tweenty First Century. Just now, it will have to deal with the continuing crisis between Ecuador and Colombia. Both countries entered a very dangerous pathe affer Colombian military and police forces entered Ecuadorian territory illegaly to attack a Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombi (FARC) camp. During the incursion 26 people died including FARC No 2 leader, Raul Reyes, and an Ecuadorian citizen.

As expected, Ecuador and Colombia made it to the OAS agenda again today. Ecuador asked OAS to revise the content of the laptop that allegedly belong to FARC leader Raul Reyes. Few days ago, INTERPOL published a forensic report confiming Colombia had not modified the laptop. However, it could no certify its origin. Today, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister, Maria Isabel Salvador, urged OAS to carefully analyse the documents found in the laptop. Bogotá has used them to accuse both Quito and Caracas of backing FARC. Ecuador and Venezuela have said they contacted FARC for the only purpose of liberating hostages.   

Sources: Globovision, Unionradio, VTV, YVKE, El Universal, El Nacional,