“A commitment to democracy was approved unanimously in the midst of a terrorist attack. A stark contrast between the world we want and the dangers we face.”
On 9/11 I was the Ambassador of Paraguay to the OAS having breakfast with my Minister of Foreign Relations and other members of our Delegation at a hotel in Lima, Peru. We were participating in the Extraordinary General Assembly to approve the Inter American Democratic Charter. Sitting two tables apart was Secretary of State Colin Powell with his entourage.
Suddenly we saw images of the horrific attack on the Twin Towers on the big television screens of the hotel’s restaurant. Secretary Powell took a cell call and rushed out of the place.
Very quickly thereafter the session to approve the Charter was convened ahead of the scheduled time. Secretary Powell gave a powerful but brief presentation and left for the US. It was a moving moment. A commitment to democracy was approved unanimously in the midst of a terrorist attack. A stark contrast between the world we want and the dangers we face.