OAS praises Obama\'s appointment
Published:Thursday | May 14, 2009 | 12:59 PM
The Organisation of American States (OAS) has welcomed news that President Barrack Obama has nominated a senior US diplomat for relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.
The nomination of Arturo Valenzuela, a prominent professor of Latin American politics, as assistant secretary of state, must be confirmed by the US Senate.
The Secretary General of the OAS, Jose Miguel Insulza, says Mr Valenzuela has a great deal of knowledge of the laws and politics of the region.
Mr Valenzuela previously held a senior position at the State Department under President Bill Clinton.
Correspondents say he is likely to favour an improvement of ties with Cuba.