Statement by Ambassador Wayne on the inauguration of the Association of Latin American Peacekeeping Centers

August 8, 2008

I applaud the inauguration of the Association of Latin American Peacekeeping Centers (ALCOPAZ). This event continues to demonstrate the leadership role Argentina and our partners in the Americas play in peacekeeping efforts around the world.

As was recently demonstrated by the ceremony marking 50 years of Argentine peacekeeping operations, Latin American countries contribute significantly to reducing conflict and maintaining peace.

CAECOPAZ, (Centro Argentino de Entrenamiento Conjunto para Operaciones de Paz) (Argentine Center for Peacekeeping Missions Joint Training), Argentina’s flagship peacekeeping institute, along with the peacekeeping centers of excellence in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru and Uruguay have proven to be an excellent approach to ensure that the valuable lessons and experiences, gained through the hard work and sacrifice of our peacekeepers, are incorporated to future missions around the globe. The United States is honored to be invited to participate in this noble organization as an observer and to share and contribute to its valuable work.