The OAS General Assembly began with issues such as inequality or Nicaragua as protagonists

First modification: 06/10/2022 – 03:51

The Organization of American States hosts a new edition in which the foreign ministers of the vast majority of states in the region meet. On this occasion, the host is Peru, where a series of issues of concern for the continent will be discussed, such as the systemic inequality suffered by millions of people and the delicate political situation in Nicaragua.

During the first day, the inaugural speeches of the summit were given, which were delivered by Luis Almagro, the organization’s secretary general, and by Pedro Castillo, president of Peru and host of an event attended by the foreign ministers of the major member countries, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The main theme announced during the summit is the fight against inequality on the continent, an aspect regretted by Almagro, since “America continues to be the most unequal region on the planet.”

“Today the peoples of the Americas suffer inequality and discrimination, sometimes in the most abject way, sometimes in the worst way, sometimes because we socialize in the worst way, discrimination and inequality are ways of attacking dignity of the person,” said Almagro during his opening speech.

A situation that Almagro describes as “a very big burden” that generates “insecurity, violence and lack of access to basic rights.”

The leader of the organization also wanted to highlight in his speech the importance of democracy in the American continent and warned that it should not be “sacrificed on any altar.” An expression that becomes relevant at a time of particular concern for the organization due to the political situation in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua, the main political issue of the meeting

The relationship between this organization and the Central American nation has become especially tense since the repression campaign launched by the Daniel Ortega government against opposition sectors in 2018, a situation that has even led to Nicaragua leaving the OAS in November 2021. Events that were later followed by the closing of the office of this organization in Managua and the departure of its representatives from the country.

The persecution of political leaders opposed to the ruling party and those who have raised their voices against the Ortega government are the most alarming situations for the OAS. There are currently an estimated 200 prisoners for political reasons, including seven former presidential candidates, journalists and prominent figures such as Bishop Rolando Álvarez.

In addition, this November 6, municipal elections are planned in this nation, although it is expected that there will be no type of window for opposition candidates to have a chance. OAS members are expected to make a statement expressing concern about the deterioration of human rights in this country.

This drift of the Nicaraguan government has meant that, in recent months, their isolation has become more pronounced, something that has affected the citizenry. In the last week, Nicaragua has rejected the new US ambassador and has expelled the European Union ambassador.

A change of objective with Venezuela

Another important aspect that will be addressed is the position that the organization will maintain with respect to Venezuela. In recent months, a thaw has been observed in the relations of various members of the organization with the government of Nicolás Maduro. Colombia, for example, has reestablished diplomatic relations and has reopened its border and the United States has even carried out an exchange of prisoners considered “important” by the international community.

The OAS, for its part, continues to consider as the “legitimate” representative of the Caribbean country the one designated by the opposition leader Juan Guaidó, although this person will not attend the event due to the threat of eleven members of the organization to expel him.

Both Luis Almagro and the Organization of American States have lowered their hard position against Nicolás Maduro and seem willing to make a change of strategy in relations with this country, although the truth is that, for the time being, the negotiations with the opposition sectors remain frozen.

Another of the important issues to be discussed will be the migration problem, one of the recurrent crises that affect the continent and that involves several states from South America to the United States. In this regard, Antony Blinken will have a lot to say, since a few days ago he has started a Latin American tour.

With EFE and local media