Deputy Secretary Landau Calls for Action and Results at 56th OAS General Assembly

DEPUTY SECRETARY LANDAU: Mr. Secretary General, ministers, ambassadors, colleagues, and friends—I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to President Mulino and Foreign Minister Acha for their warm hospitality.

Two centuries ago, representatives from the newly independent Spanish American republics convened here in Panama. While the specific challenges facing our hemisphere have evolved, the fundamental duties of governance remain the same. Every nation present has a solemn obligation to protect its citizens, secure its borders, uphold the rule of law, and foster an environment that encourages free commerce.

No country here desires a reality where gangs dominate neighborhoods, cartels control trade routes, or traffickers dictate the flow of people and goods across borders. Yet, across our region, transnational criminal organizations continue to defy the authority of legitimate governments and threaten public security. This is our current reality, and this organization must be capable of addressing it.

During last year’s forum, I issued a challenge. I noted that this body does not lack meetings, declarations, or committees; rather, it lacks results. I asked for your help in demonstrating to the U.S. President and the American people that our significant investment in this organization is justified. Let us examine our progress.

Regarding Haiti, I am pleased to report positive momentum. The OAS unanimously supported the transition to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a critical step that paved the way for the UN Security Council Resolution authorizing proactive operations to neutralize and deter the armed groups terrorizing the Haitian people. Additionally, the OAS has provided the necessary diplomatic status and organizational support for Special Representative Jack Christofides and his team.

During my visit to the Gang Suppression Force on May 29th, I was genuinely impressed by the progress achieved on the ground. I want to thank the Bahamas, Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica for their leadership within the Standing Group of Partners. This represents a results-oriented regional response—this is how this organization functions when it is working effectively.

However, we must remain clear-eyed: the mission is far from over. The renewal of the GSF mandate by the UN Security Council is not guaranteed. It is imperative that we all increase our engagement with Security Council members and contribute to the GSF’s success through funding, equipment, and personnel. We cannot allow Haiti to slide back into chaos by declaring victory prematurely.

In Honduras, our allies have emphasized how critical OAS support was in advancing elections and preventing civil unrest. I also commend the OAS observation teams for their successful recent missions in Peru and Colombia.

We now face a new test in Bolivia. After Bolivian citizens elected President Rodrigo Paz last year, that democratic mandate was met with violence from those who lost the election. This is not a mere political dispute; it is an assault on democracy itself. In legitimate political disagreements, mobs do not block roads, forcibly prevent food and medicine from entering cities, or establish barricades to force a president’s resignation.

While the OAS deserves credit for its electoral observation in Bolivia, democracy does not end once the votes are counted and observers depart. I ask plainly: how does this body respond when violent opponents attempt to undo credible election results? I urge every member state to heed Bolivia’s calls for meaningful action in support of its elected government and constitutional order. Earlier today, the United States co-hosted an event with Bolivia and Argentina to support Bolivia’s democratically elected government and denounce those seeking its overthrow.

Regarding Cuba, I will be equally direct. Cuba is a failed state, located just 90 miles from the United States, with a long history of destabilizing democratic institutions and inciting unrest across the hemisphere. Havana’s authoritarian communist regime, which has held power without an election for 67 years, is collapsing. It has no choice but to enact immediate political and economic reforms.

We must similarly demand these fundamental freedoms for the people of Nicaragua. There should be zero tolerance for totalitarian regimes in our hemisphere.

I also challenge this organization to be more proactive in combating illegal narcotics, specifically fentanyl, which is causing countless deaths. The link between narcotics, organized crime, and the subversion of regional institutions is undeniable. Narco-criminals threaten everyone from Canada to Patagonia, and I hope this organization will take a more aggressive role in addressing this threat.

While I am pleased that the OAS has achieved some institutional reforms, the agenda is incomplete—particularly regarding the Inter-American Human Rights Commission, where we seek more action and less ideological drift.

Colleagues, the United States believes in the potential of this organization. Our country is uniquely positioned to be an active partner in our hemisphere, and we want this organization to be part of the solution. We want to work with you. The people of this region are not waiting for rhetoric; they are waiting for results. Let us provide them.

Thank you very much.

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