THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (OAS)
(CT:IM-176; 05-20-2016)
(Office of Origin: WHA/USOAS)
5 FAM 231 SCOPE AND AUTHORITY
(CT:IM-176; 05-20-2016)
a. This policy establishes the proper channels for communication between the U.S. government and any OAS office, official or entity, including the OAS missions and their personnel, and any OAS-related Inter-American organization.
b. This policy includes requests to accredit United States representatives or delegations to meetings of the OAS, its entities, missions and related Inter-American organizations.
c. The authority for this policy is the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2651a.
d. Nothing in this policy authorizes any interference with the independence of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or the conduct of its work in accordance with the provisions of 1 FAM 050 and the underlying legal authorities establishing the OIG.
e. This authority shall not impair the authority of the Office of Foreign Missions to carry out its mandate under the Foreign Missions Act, 22 U.S.C. Chapter 53, respecting the OAS and missions to the OAS.
5 FAM 232 The United States Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States
(CT:IM-176; 05-20-2016)
a. Since 1948, the U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States (USOAS) has been the appropriate channel for official business between the U.S. Government and the Organization of American States (OAS), the permanent and observer missions accredited to the OAS and OAS-related Inter-American organizations. U.S. Government entities are encouraged to consult with USOAS over which organizations are included within the purview of this provision.
b. All diplomatic communications to the OAS, OAS missions and OAS-related Inter-American organizations must be coordinated with USOAS.
c. All U.S. Government agencies must first consult USOAS before entering into any agreements, arrangements or other instruments with the OAS or OAS-related Inter-American organizations.
5 FAM 233 RESPONSIBILITY
(CT:IM-176; 05-20-2016)
The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) coordinates all communications between the U.S. Government and the OAS, OAS missions, and OAS-related Inter-American organizations through WHA/USOAS. WHA/USOAS ensures that all proposed communications fall within the scope and authority of the Department and are consistent with U.S. foreign policy.
5 FAM 234 COORDINATING VISITS WITH OAS
(CT:IM-176; 05-20-2016)
Visits from the Department or other Government officials to the OAS and its officials, to OAS missions or their personnel, or to OAS-related Inter-American organizations or their personnel should be coordinated in advance. USOAS should be notified in writing, when possible, so that USOAS may make proper substantive and administrative arrangements for the visit, if necessary. At the permanent representative’s discretion, a staff member of USOAS may accompany officials on visits.
5 FAM 235 THROUGH 239 UNASSIGNED