I would like to begin by thanking the Government of Bolivia, Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo, and President Rodrigo Paz for inviting this Mission. Mr. President, this invitation is the clearest demonstration of your willingness to engage in dialogue in order to find solutions.
This High-Level Mission is grounded in the analyses and the resolution adopted at the most recent OAS General Assembly in Panama.
I would also like to thank Panama for its leadership and for the key role it has played in this matter.
Mr. President, our primary objective has been to express our solidarity with the Government and the people of Bolivia, and to defend democracy. Our approach has been to listen carefully to the Government, as well as to representatives of social organizations, civil society, the private sector, and State institutions.
Of course, it would be impossible to hear from every stakeholder in just two days, but we will continue this process of listening.
I would like to emphasize that today we stand united in the OAS in defense of democracy and human rights. When the people have spoken, election results must be respected and accepted by all. Therefore, I wish to reiterate our support for the constitutional and legitimately elected Government of Bolivia under the leadership of President Paz.
I would like to thank all the organizations and representatives with whom we met over the past two days. I especially appreciate the openness and cordiality with which they shared their views and suggestions, always with a positive, constructive, and forward-looking spirit. We have learned a great deal-above all, the importance of communication and dialogue.
I would also like to thank the seven OAS member states represented on this Mission -Argentina, Canada, Chile, Panama, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay- for their participation in this important effort.
