The question of the OAS returns

Cuba is currently the only Western Hemisphere nation excluded from the Organization of American States (OAS), and while Latin American leaders push for its re-inclusion, Venezuela, the United States and Cuba are each adding complications to the plot.

• Venezuela—Hugo Chávez announced yesterday that Venezuela might withdraw from the OAS and seek Cuba’s help in creating an alternative regional group that would not simply “serve the interests of the United States,” as he believes the OAS does.
• Cuba—Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez added his two cents, calling upon Latin American nations to create an organization that serves their people “rather than the empire.”
• USA—Secretary of State Clinton testified last week before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee: “If Cuba is not willing to abide by (the charter’s) terms then I cannot foresee how Cuba can be a part of the OAS and I certainly would not be supporting in any way such an effort to admit it,” referring to whether she would support Cuba’s readmission when it is reviewed at the OAS General Assembly annual meeting she will be attending in Honduras on June 2. It was after these comments that Venezuela and Cuba suggested creation of an alternative organization. Subsequently, the State Department released a letter presenting a proposal that would allow Cuba to eventually rejoin the OAS, as long as Havana abides by the democratic principles of the body.

Meanwhile, of course, certain members of Congress (Bob Menendez) are up in arms about another U.S. “concession,” and are moving to suspend funding to the OAS in response. They have little reason to worry, however, since the most recent signs from Havana show little willingness to enact changes requested by the United States (e.g. releasing political prisoners) and no interest in joining the Organization of American States; both Fidel Castro and Bruno Rodríguez have released statements indicating that Cuba is proud to be a nonmember of the OAS. Without pressure from Cuban allies, Havana is unlikely to change its stance on the issue. And thus far, Venezuela is encouraging Cuba to reject the OAS, and Brazil and Mexico have shown themselves unwilling to press the island on human rights and democratic issues.