The Organization of American States (OAS) is a regional organization that brings together all independent countries of the Americas to cooperate on democracy, human rights, security, and development. Its Secretariat (formally the General Secretariat) is the central, permanent administrative arm: it carries out decisions made by member states, runs programs (for example on elections, human rights, and development), prepares the organization’s budget, and provides support and record‑keeping for OAS meetings and treaties.
Albert Ramdin is a Surinamese diplomat who became Secretary General of the Organization of American States on March 10, 2025, for a five‑year term starting May 26, 2025. As Secretary General, he is the top executive official of the OAS and head of the General Secretariat, responsible for implementing decisions of the member states, managing the organization’s day‑to‑day work, and representing the OAS politically and diplomatically.
“Member State‑driven engagement” in the OAS means that initiatives and decisions come from, are negotiated by, and are owned by the governments of the member countries—not imposed by the Secretariat or outside actors. In this context, Rubio is saying the OAS should be used as a forum where the American states themselves collectively lead and coordinate efforts and diplomatic actions regarding Venezuela’s political transition.
In this readout, “a proper, judicious transition of power in Venezuela” is a general diplomatic phrase, not a detailed plan. It signals support for an orderly, lawful, and peaceful change of government in line with democratic standards—likely involving free and fair elections and respect for Venezuela’s constitution and institutions—but the statement does not specify a particular mechanism, actors, or timeline for that transition.
The OAS can support stability in countries like Venezuela mainly through political and diplomatic tools rather than force. Key actions include: (1) using its Permanent Council and General Assembly to debate crises and pass resolutions; (2) applying the Inter‑American Democratic Charter to respond to democratic breakdowns; (3) sending electoral observation missions to monitor and report on elections; (4) supporting dialogue and mediation among political actors; and (5) working with its human rights bodies and technical cooperation programs to address governance, security, and social challenges that affect stability.
Thomas “Tommy” Pigott is the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, a senior communications official who briefs the press and issues statements on behalf of the Department. When a State Department readout says a statement is “attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott,” it means he is the designated official source and on‑the‑record voice for that summary of the Secretary’s call, rather than the Secretary speaking directly.