Organization of American states (OAS)

The Organization of American States is the oldest regional organization. Its origins date back to the First International Conference of American States, which, on 14 April 1890, created the International Union of American Republics. The Charter of Bogotá, which was adopted in 1948 during the Ninth International Conference of American States and came into effect in 1951, transformed the Union of American Republics into the Organization of American States.

The organization’s remit, which was initially limited to collecting and publishing commercial statistics, has been extended considerably. Today, the OAS claims to be the natural forum for dialogue among the countries of the Americas and the Caribbean on political, social, educational, cultural, scientific and technological issues: an instrument by means of which the countries of the inter-American community can reach their common goals.

The basic texts compel it to strengthen peace and security on the American continent, prevent and peacefully resolve disputes between members, prepare a common response in the event of foreign aggression, and define and implement a cooperation initiative for integrated development.

The organization is currently 35 countries strong (34 + Cuba). Cuba is a special case, because the Eighth Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (January 1962) voted for a resolution excluding Cuba from the work and deliberative bodies of the OAS.

In addition, on 23 April 1971, the General Assembly decide to establish a permanent observer status at the OAS. There are presently 46 countries with this status, including the European Union, since November 1989. France has been present at the OAS since its accession to observer status in 1972. In order to demonstrate its desire to play a more active part in the Latin-Caribbean Americas zone, where it has a presence through its departments in the Americas, thereby making its voice heard in the inter-American dialogue, a Resident Ambassador was appointed in November 1989 and a French Permanent Mission to the OAS was opened in 1990. This mission is to have an understanding of all inter-American relations, the OAS and most of its bodies and entities, as well as the PAHO (Pan American Health Organization, linked to the WHO) and the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank).