On March 28, the Permanent Council of the
Organisation of American States (OAS) experienced a public spectacle of
disarray that, in 36 years of diplomatic life in many international and
multinational organisations, I have never witnessed. A similar observation was
made by many other seasoned Ambassadors. The spectacle, which was a complete breakdown
of all the norms of diplomatic discourse, resulted from the dysfunctionality of
the OAS, the antiquated nature of its governing Charters, and the long overdue
need for a revision of its procedural rules. A highly fractious and contentious
public meeting - carried live via an Internet streaming - was brought to a
premature end with some delegations on their feet, ready to walk out,
accusations being fired back and forth across a room (named after the great
Latin American integrationist, Simon Bolivar), and the Chair of the meeting
struggling to retain order. More…
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