Spain and the OAS: Past, present and much future

Political and economic developments on both sides of the Atlantic have built a new and stronger bond between Spain and the Americas. Today, at the beginning of the second decade of the 21st century, the two sides now have a close and stable relationship best exemplified within the framework of the Organization of American States (OAS).

Spain and the OAS now carry out joint projects in human rights, civil registries, electoral systems, the fight against corruption and drug trafficking, public safety, migration and democratic governance, among many others. They also work side by side in the political arena, as demonstrated during the recent crisis in Honduras.

The root of this renewed association began in 1967 when Spain and the OAS signed an agreement to normalize their relations. This agreement ultimately led the European country to become a permanent observer of the Organization in 1972. Since then, Spain has had a Permanent Mission at the OAS and has consistently maintained its ties to the hemispheric organization, strengthening its connections through subsequent numerous agreements.

“Our policy toward the continent is a State policy, independent of the party that is in power. Our policy is structural and strategic. This is a relationship based on the past and projected towards the future,” said Ambassador Javier Sancho, Permanent Observer of Spain to the OAS.

Words of appreciation are numerous and mutual. At the 2009 OAS General Assembly in Honduras, OAS Member States approved a declaration making “a special recognition” to Spain for its “support and contributions” and for its “crucial and significant participation” in the activities of the Organization.

The Spanish contributions fall mainly into two areas. The first, which is political, is described by Ambassador Sancho as “the essential one.” “Among countries outside the American continent, we are the point of reference on matters involving the Americas for anyone who wants to do something for the Hemisphere. We are also the OAS’s main supporter in the European Union, and we have demonstrated it,” he said.

The second main area is economic cooperation. In 2009 alone, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation contributed about $13 million to the OAS for numerous programs and initiatives, including the Rapporteurship on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Inter-American Commission of Women, the Inter-American Commission against Terrorism in its work on legal assistance, the Humanitarian Demining Program, several electoral observation missions, the Peace Fund, and the Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia. Spain has also provided assistance to increase access to and enhance the effectiveness of justice, strengthening of political parties, and the promotion of citizen participation in democratic processes.

For years, Spain has been the main external contributor to the OAS. In fact, this year Spain became the top overall external contributor in the history of the Organization. “This is a true reflection and evidence of Spain’s commitment to the continent,” Ambassador Sancho said.

The creation of the Spanish Fund in 2006, was particularly important for the coordinated work between the OAS and Spain by introducing a new model for cooperation. “The Fund is helping us institutionalize the implementation of programs and projects. It has made it possible to develop comprehensive project appraisals and systematic follow-ups. Today we are beginning to evaluate the results,” said Ricardo Graziano, Director of the area of Planification and Follow up of the Organization, who describes the Spanish project design and reporting model as “pioneering.”

Today, the Spanish Fund represents almost half the total of Spanish contributions to the OAS. Among its most visible results are various programs to strengthen the work of the Inter-American Commission and Court on Human Rights, the development of civil registry initiatives and programs for judicial facilitators. The success of the Spanish Fund is such that its principles of administration have become an example of collaboration with other observer countries.

“We are aware of the political needs and demands of the countries, and with that in mind we can begin to develop cooperation. This is a different approach from that of a cooperation agency where demand is normally determined after consultation,” said Ricardo Domínguez, Chief of Staff of the OAS Secretary General and Coordinator of the Spanish Fund.

In this, as in all cooperative relationships, there are still some areas to improve, such as the implementation of a system to simplify overall processes in Madrid and Washington, D.C. Generally speaking, the relationship works well, although both parties agree that it can and should evolve.

“The future is wide open. We have already demonstrated to each other that as partners we are capable of working together. Cooperation is tied to partnerships from the political point of view and to the role that Spain plays in the region. We want to be a platform to help Spain cement its multilateral relations in the region, we believe we are the best channel and Spain also sees it as such,” Dominguez said.

A similar vision exists on the Spanish side. “We are very proud to be permanent observers, but that status neither defines nor exhausts the relationship between Spain and the OAS. We consider that we are more than that, we are strategic partners. Spain believes in the OAS and supports the OAS not only when it’s time to celebrate but first and foremost when it’s time for work,” Ambassador Sancho said.

Whatever the future of this relationship, the framework for cooperation in the 21st century has already been established and it probes to be strong. Spain and the Americas know, grasp, and cherish their mutual heritage, as has been evidenced by the growing Spanish presence in independence celebrations of many countries throughout the Americas. The core of this relationship is unique, unalterable, and with the sight set on the future.

December 17th, 2009

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