Jimmy Carter

“ For more than one hundred and fifty years the nations of the Western Hemisphere have recognized that peace and understanding can be achieved only if we are willing to put aside our differences and join together to solve our problems and share our opportunities. Drawing upon a common heritage and shared hopes for the future, the nations of the Americas constantly seek ways to strengthen their ties with each other. ”

“ Through the Organization of American States we in the Western Hemisphere have developed a unique system of cooperation which promotes political understanding, economic progress and social justice. An organization of great vitality and adaptability, it is now responding vigorously to the new challenges of the last quarter of the twentieth century. ”