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 Nica-
raguan democracy by supplementing institution building.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FEBRUARY 12, 1998
Mr. GALLEGLY (for himself and Mr. ACKERMAN) submitted the following con-
current 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 re-
sponsible for helping to stabilize Nicaraguan democracy
by supplementing institution building.
Whereas the Organization of American States International
Support and Verification Commission (OAS–CIAV) was
•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 resist-
ance 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 docu-
mented more than 1,800 human rights violations, includ-
ing numerous murders and presented these cases to Nica-
raguan 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 mem-
bers, who are currently mediating conflicts, including kid-
naping and demobilization of rearmed groups, in every
municipality of the zones of conflict;
Whereas the OAS–CIAV successfully provided critically need-
ed 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 ex-
pand upon the mission of the OAS–CIAV by providing
institution building resources in municipal government
•HCON 222 IH
development, social work, and civic education in the
twelve most conflictive municipalities in Nicaragua: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress—
(1) commends and congratulates Santiago Mur-
ray, the first OAS–CIAV Director, and Sergio
Caramagna, the current director of the OAS–TCM,
and all members of the OAS–CIAV and OAS–TCM
team for their tireless defense of human rights, pro-
motion of peaceful conflict resolution, and contribu-
tion to the development of freedom and democracy
in Nicaragua; and
(2) expresses its support for the continuation of
the role of the OAS–TCM in Nicaragua.
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