IV

105TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 222

Expressing the sense of Congress, congratulating the former International

Support and Verification Commission of the Organization of American

States (OAS–CIAV) for successfully aiding in the transition of Nicaragua

from a war-ridden state into a newly formed democracy and providing

continued support through the recently created Technical Cooperation

Mission (OAS–TCM) which is responsible for helping to stabilize Nicaraguan democracy by supplementing institution building.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FEBRUARY 12, 1998

Mr. GALLEGLY (for himself and Mr. ACKERMAN) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International

Relations

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of Congress, congratulating the former

International Support and Verification Commission of

the Organization of American States (OAS–CIAV) for

successfully aiding in the transition of Nicaragua from

a war-ridden state into a newly formed democracy and

providing continued support through the recently created

Technical Cooperation Mission (OAS–TCM) which is responsible for helping to stabilize Nicaraguan democracy

by supplementing institution building.

Whereas the Organization of American States International

Support and Verification Commission (OAS–CIAV) was
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•HCON 222 IH

established August 7, 1989, for the purpose of overseeing

assisting in the repatriation, disarmament, resettlement,

and protection of human rights of the Nicaraguan resistance and their families;

Whereas the OAS-CIAV, successfully demobilized 22,500

members of the Nicaraguan resistance and distributed

food and humanitarian assistance to more than 119,000

repatriated Nicaraguans prior to July 1991;

Whereas the OAS–CIAV successfully investigated and documented more than 1,800 human rights violations, including numerous murders and presented these cases to Nicaraguan authorities, following and advocating justice in

each case;

Whereas the OAS–CIAV helped demobilize rearmed contras

and Sandinistas, as well as apolitical criminal groups,

and recently brokered and mediated the successful May

1997 negotiations between the Government of Nicaragua

and the largest rearmed group;

Whereas the OAS–CIAV created 86 peace commissions and

has provided assistance and extensive training in human

rights and alternative dispute resolution for their members, who are currently mediating conflicts, including kidnaping and demobilization of rearmed groups, in every

municipality of the zones of conflict;

Whereas the OAS–CIAV successfully provided critically needed infrastructure and humanitarian assistance including

aid for Nicaraguan schools, roads, and health clinics; and

Whereas a new Organization of American States Technical

Cooperation Mission (OAS–TCM) has been created to expand upon the mission of the OAS–CIAV by providing

institution building resources in municipal government
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•HCON 222 IH

development, social work, and civic education in the

twelve most conflictive municipalities in Nicaragua: Now,

therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That the Congress—

3 (1) commends and congratulates Santiago Mur4 ray, the first OAS–CIAV Director, and Sergio

5 Caramagna, the current director of the OAS–TCM,

6 and all members of the OAS–CIAV and OAS–TCM

7 team for their tireless defense of human rights, pro8 motion of peaceful conflict resolution, and contribu9 tion to the development of freedom and democracy

10 in Nicaragua; and

11 (2) expresses its support for the continuation of

12 the role of the OAS–TCM in Nicaragua.

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