The Democratic Community Of The Americas

Speaking to the General Assembly of the Organization of American States in Lima, Peru, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton proclaimed U.S. support for the OAS, "the foremost multilateral organization of the hemisphere: "The OAS’s goals of strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding human rights, promoting inclusive development, and enhancing multidimensional security are more important than ever. And mechanisms established by the OAS, such as the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption and the Inter-American Human Rights Commission, provide critical tools to help improve governance and respect for human rights."

Nonetheless, Secretary of State Clinton proposed that the OAS be made more effective by once again turning its focus toward its "core mission of advancing strong democratic institutions that foster peace, citizen security, and opportunity for all;" by revamping its currently unsustainable fiscal policy; and by refining the Inter-American Democratic Charter's guidelines for what constitutes an unconstitutional alteration.

The Charter, which is binding on all OAS member states, defines what democracy entails and specifies how it should be defended when it is under threat.

That said, Secretary of State Clinton called on her fellow OAS representatives to welcome Honduras back into the fold. Honduras was suspended last year after the overthrow of President Manuel Zelaya. Although President Porfirio Lobo was voted into office in elections scheduled before his predecessor was ousted, a number of OAS member states do not recognize President Lobo's government.

"We saw the free and fair election of President Lobo, and we have watched President Lobo fulfill his obligations under the Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord – including forming a government of national reconciliation and a truth commission. This has demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to democratic governance and constitutional order," said Secretary of State Clinton. Speaking to the General Assembly of the Organization of American States in Lima, Peru, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton proclaimed U.S. support for the OAS, "the foremost multilateral organization of the hemisphere: "The OAS’s goals of strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding human rights, promoting inclusive development, and enhancing multidimensional security are more important than ever. And mechanisms established by the OAS, such as the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption and the Inter-American Human Rights Commission, provide critical tools to help improve governance and respect for human rights."

Nonetheless, Secretary of State Clinton proposed that the OAS be made more effective by once again turning its focus toward its "core mission of advancing strong democratic institutions that foster peace, citizen security, and opportunity for all;" by revamping its currently unsustainable fiscal policy; and by refining the Inter-American Democratic Charter's guidelines for what constitutes an unconstitutional alteration.

The Charter, which is binding on all OAS member states, defines what democracy entails and specifies how it should be defended when it is under threat.

That said, Secretary of State Clinton called on her fellow OAS representatives to welcome Honduras back into the fold. Honduras was suspended last year after the overthrow of President Manuel Zelaya. Although President Porfirio Lobo was voted into office in elections scheduled before his predecessor was ousted, a number of OAS member states do not recognize President Lobo's government.

"We saw the free and fair election of President Lobo, and we have watched President Lobo fulfill his obligations under the Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord – including forming a government of national reconciliation and a truth commission. This has demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to democratic governance and constitutional order," said Secretary of State Clinton. "Now it is time for the hemisphere as a whole to move forward and welcome Honduras back into the Inter-American community.

"At the same time, we must find ways to address conditions like those that led to the coup in Honduras before they turn into crises."

"Ultimately, the OAS reflects us," she said. "It is a product of the member states, and I believe we must come together this year to ensure that the OAS is prepared and ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of this century. The United States stands ready to work with all of you to achieve this goal."

"At the same time, we must find ways to address conditions like those that led to the coup in Honduras before they turn into crises."

"Ultimately, the OAS reflects us," she said. "It is a product of the member states, and I believe we must come together this year to ensure that the OAS is prepared and ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of this century. The United States stands ready to work with all of you to achieve this goal."