2005 Press Releases

Regional governments will soon have the opportunity to choose a dynamic and forward-leaning new leader for a key hemispheric forum. That is why the United States is urging our neighbors and allies to join us in endorsing former Salvadoran President Francisco Flores for the important and prestigious post of Secretary General of the Organization of American States.

We are proud to stand behind President Flores. A modern Central American, he represents a new generation of hemispheric leaders who view the challenges of our 21st century, globalized world not as threats to be feared, but as opportunities to be embraced.

As a former president, Francisco Flores knows the demands of leadership and the pressures of decision-making that are the everyday responsibilities of a chief executive. In El Salvador, a country not long ago racked by civil war and economic dislocation, he confronted great challenges, made the tough decisions, and succeeded — playing a central role in the birth of a new El Salvador: socially at peace, economically vibrant and outward-looking, and politically stable.

On January 27th, President Flores addressed the OAS Permanent Council to outline his program to lead the OAS as a representative of Central America, placing specific emphasis on the need for that regional body to pay more attention to the needs and aspirations of smaller states.

He also focused on three main themes: defeating poverty with economic growth, improving the OAS role in preparing for and responding to natural disasters, and providing a vision for the organization over the next five years.

President Flores suggested that deeper regional integration will enhance the competitveness of small states seeking to take full advantage of the benefits of the 21st century global economy. He offered as an example the Central America Free Trade Agreement as to what could be achieved through concerted effort.

He also highlighted the need for regional integration in the Hemisphere as a means of leveraging support from multilateral financial organizations, private sector banks, and private capital flows in fostering regional development, growth, and job creation.

President Flores’ vision for the hemisphere is the vision of the OAS: freedom, democracy, prosperity, and stability for a region that has known too much turmoil. He is a principled pragmatist with a proven record, a committed democrat and a multilateralist who embodies the values that are at the core of the work of the OAS.

President Flores was chief executive during a difficult time in El Salvador’s history. The United States believes this experience will allow him to stand on equal footing with the region’s leaders as the OAS confronts great challenges, such as post-conflict reconstruction and the painful process of reconciliation. Haiti is one case that comes to mind.

The United States believes the OAS needs fresh, creative, and resolute leadership, based on a deep appreciation for the benefits of regional action and hemispheric unity. We have no doubt that Francisco Flores can guide the organization in its quest to strengthen the institutions that underpin regional prosperity so that all citizens of the Americas enjoy the benefits of freedom.