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Excerpt from the speech given on the
occasion of receiving the Prince of
Asturias Award for Ibero-American
Cooperation on 16/10/1984.
Oydén Ortega Durán
(Panama), on behalf
of the Contadora Group
—
Contadora Group
—
Prince of Asturias Award
for Ibero-American
Cooperation 1984
This dialogue was possible despite the nature and complexity of the problems accumulated by five
states in times of extreme gravity.
In our efforts to promote understanding and entente, we have counted from the beginning on
the solid and effective, dignified and constructive support of this nation, to which we are bound by
deep-rooted ties established by history and reaffirmed today by destiny. (…)
Contemporary historiography highlights Spain’s three centuries in America as a model of
institutional order and social humanism. And it was precisely a Spaniard, Miguel de Unamuno,
who pointed out the deep-seated Hispanic roots of the Liberator Simón Bolívar. It would appear
that his thinking has become contemporary on noting that, although he was born in Venezuela,
the scene of his triumphs was Colombia and Panama was the focus of defensive alliances, the
Amphictyonic Congress was to conclude in Mexico. So it may be said that our work boasts
Hispanic tradition and Bolivarian inspiration.
This body of its history and soul of its policy —if I may use Gracián’s words— is what provides
meaning to an intimate collaboration between yesteryear’s provinces and today’s sovereign republics
with the motherland. In our endeavour to bring about peace in the region, we have worked with
tenacity and faith, but also with the composure that experience provides, the patience imposed by
perseverance and the shared elements Spain left as a spiritual legacy in America, all of which has
allowed us to coordinate what initially appeared as irreconcilable issues and conflicting interests.
16
th
O
ctober
1984
