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PERUVIAN PRESIDENT RECOGNIZES OAS SUPPORT IN CONSOLIDATING DEMOCRACY

President Alejandro Toledo of Peru today recognized the critical support of the Organization of American States (OAS) in the strengthening of democracy in the hemisphere as a whole and in his country in particular. He expressed appreciation, on behalf of the Peruvian people, to Secretary General José Miguel Insulza for closely following the situation in Peru, “a country that consolidates its development in democracy and complies with its international commitments.”

During a protocolary session of the OAS Permanent Council convened in his honor, Toledo said that last Sunday democracy was the winner in Peru, as a result of general elections that were transparent, fair and equitable, in accordance with international electoral standards. He said that the elections showed that Peruvians overwhelmingly stake their future on the preservation of the democratic order – “everything with democracy, nothing without it.”

Toledo noted that these elections ratify the process of institutional consolidation that began in 2000, in which the OAS played a major role, not only in restoring democracy but in launching a political dialogue, which culminated during his administration with the signing of the National Agreement. “During that crucial stage of the recovery of democracy in my country, this Organization played a fundamental role, using the inter-American legal instruments in effect at that time for the collective defense of democracy in the hemisphere,” Toledo said.

Peruvians last Sunday voted in the first round to elect their next President, and also elected 120 members of Congress and representatives to the Andean Parliament. Toledo thanked Insulza for sending “a very important electoral observation mission headed by someone of the caliber of former Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy.” The Canadian diplomat headed the 126-member OAS team that observed the elections.

Speaking to the representatives of the OAS member states, Toledo offered an overview of his successes, stressing that during his presidency extreme poverty has been reduced by 20 percent and urban poverty by 50 percent. “At the end of our administration, Peru will have grown by more than 25 percent in five years,” he said. He noted that this growth has been accompanied by a low annual inflation rate, 2.5 percent, and added that accumulated inflation during his term has not exceeded 10 percent. Although there is still much to accomplish, Toledo said, by perpetuating stability and continuing these efforts, it is possible to continue reducing poverty.

During his speech before the Permanent Council, which was chaired by Ambassador Ellsworth John of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Toledo talked about the challenges his country will face with the signing today of a free-trade agreement with the United States, during a ceremony at the OAS. He said that Peru is betting on this agreement as a way to “defend Peruvian production and employment.”

The Peruvian head of state concluded by reiterating that after five years, his administration has planted the seeds for the future of the country so the next government can reap the benefits of a good harvest. “When political passions have quieted, it will be history that will judge our administration,” he said. This is the second visit to the OAS for Toledo, who has four months remaining in his term.

Reference: E-089/06