5 FAM 230
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 representatives
discretion, a staff member of USOAS may accompany officials on visits.
5 FAM 235 THROUGH 239 UNASSIGNED