Puerto Rico's Participation in the Association of Caribbean States

Puerto Rico's Participation in the Association of Caribbean States in 2013

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Puerto Rico's Participation in the Association of Caribbean States: On May 14, 2013, Governor of Puerto Rico Alejandro J. Garcia Padilla wrote to the State Department regarding Puerto Rico's interest in becoming an Observer in the Association of Caribbean States (“ACS”). Acting Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs H. Dean Pittman responded to Governor Garcia Padilla in an August 9, 2013 letter that is available at (Secretary of State website) state.gov/s/l/c8183.htm. Excerpts from that letter follow.

Some Aspects of Puerto Rico's Participation in the Association of Caribbean States

In exploring the possible participation of a U.S. territory in an international organization, we have to consider several factors, including the degree to which the organization is political in nature and involved in issues of foreign policy (as opposed to one focused on technical, social or cultural matters), and the nature and scope of United States participation in the organization.

Developments

As you may be aware, the Department of State has previously declined to support participation by Puerto Rico in the ACS. We remain concerned that the ACS is at least in part a political organization that has taken positions incompatible with U.S. foreign policy. Moreover, the United States is not a member or associate member of the ACS and, based on the organization's founding convention, is excluded from membership. In light of these ongoing concerns, we cannot support Puerto Rico's request to participate in the ACS as an Observer.

Details

As you know, the United States remains committed to working with countries in the Caribbean to address common concerns, and we continue to work closely with other organizations in the region, including the Caribbean Community and the Organization of American States. Please be assured of our continuing commitment to working with you and your government to advance U.S. interests in the region.

Resources

Notes

1. Puerto Rico's Participation in the Association of Caribbean States in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law