The Organization of American States (OAS) formally opened its three-day General Assembly meetings in the southern US State of Florida on Sunday evening.

During the meetings, the delegates from 34 countries are expected to discuss measures to strengthen democracy, reduce poverty and step up cooperation in the struggle against terrorism and drugs.

Moreover, the meetings are also expected to discuss the political meltdown in Bolivia and the ongoing crisis in violence-wracked Haiti.

The OAS General Assembly meetings are held under the leadership of Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza of Chile, who was elected to the post on May 2.

Earlier on Sunday, the OAS held a dialogue with its permanent observers and Chinese Ambassador to the United States Zhou Wenzhong made remarks at the dialogue.

Zhou said that China attaches high importance to the OAS and has been making unremitting efforts to promote cooperation and relations between the two sides, and he also took the opportunity to express thanks to the OAS and its members for adhering to the one China policy.

"It is universally recognized by the international community that there is only one China in the world, and that Taiwan is part of China. Reunification of the mainland and Taiwan is the common aspiration of all the Chinese people. It is an irresistible trend that accords with our times," Zhou said.

China became the permanent observer of the OAS one year ago. In addition to China, the OAS has 60 permanent observers and 35 member states.

(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2005)