Two OAS resolutions
On June 3, 2009, the OAS unanimously passed a resolution that created a path for Cuba to rejoin the organization, but said that Cuba must take certain steps. That resolution included the following:
On July 5, 2009, the OAS, perhaps unknowingly, answered that question almost perfectly. Here's the July 5th resolution, with a few minor edits in italics:
While most analysts are looking at the consequences of the July 5th resolution on Honduras, the real importance is that it sets the ground rules at the OAS for Cuba and any country in the hemisphere that turns undemocratic.
The June 3rd resolution eliminated a Cold War era anachronism and gave every Western Hemisphere country a path to enter the inter-American system; the July 5th resolution set the 21st century precedent for the practices, purposes, and principles of the OAS in dealing with an undemocratic nation. I agree with both resolutions and they should be treated as a pair. Every country in the Western Hemisphere should work to make sure both resolutions are applied consistently.
That the participation of the Republic of Cuba in the OAS will be the result of a process of dialogue initiated at the request of the Government of Cuba, and in accordance with the practices, purposes, and principles of the OAS.So what does the line "practices, purposes and principles of the OAS" actually mean?
On July 5, 2009, the OAS, perhaps unknowingly, answered that question almost perfectly. Here's the July 5th resolution, with a few minor edits in italics:
1. To suspend the Cuban state from the exercise of its right to participate in the Organization of American States, in accordance with Article 21 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The suspension shall take effect immediately.To make the point about the precedent of the resolution, I obviously substituted Cuba for Honduras and removed portions about a specific elected government. Today, both Cuba and Honduras are undemocratic regimes and I expect both to be treated equally.
2. To reaffirm that the Republic of Cuba must continue to fulfill its obligations as a member of the Organization, in particular with regard to human rights; and to urge the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to continue to take all necessary measures to protect and defend human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba.
3. To instruct the Secretary General, together with duly designated representatives of various countries, to reinforce all diplomatic initiatives and to promote other initiatives for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the Republic of Cuba.... No such initiative will imply recognition of the regime that emerged from this interruption of the constitutional order.
4. To encourage the member states and international organizations to review their relations with the Republic of Cuba during the period of the diplomatic initiatives for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the Republic of Cuba....
While most analysts are looking at the consequences of the July 5th resolution on Honduras, the real importance is that it sets the ground rules at the OAS for Cuba and any country in the hemisphere that turns undemocratic.
The June 3rd resolution eliminated a Cold War era anachronism and gave every Western Hemisphere country a path to enter the inter-American system; the July 5th resolution set the 21st century precedent for the practices, purposes, and principles of the OAS in dealing with an undemocratic nation. I agree with both resolutions and they should be treated as a pair. Every country in the Western Hemisphere should work to make sure both resolutions are applied consistently.
Labels: Cuba, democracy, honduras, human rights, OAS, US-foreign-policy |
