Fact Check: "The Organisation of American States includes 35 independent states of the Americas."
What We Know
The Organization of American States (OAS) is an international organization founded on April 30, 1948, with the goal of promoting cooperation among its member states in the Americas. As of now, the OAS comprises 35 independent states from North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. This includes all independent nations in these regions that have ratified the OAS Charter (OAS, Wikipedia).
Historically, the OAS began with 21 member states at its formation and has expanded over the years as more nations achieved independence (Wikipedia). Notably, while Cuba is a member state, it has been barred from participation since 1962 due to political reasons, but it remains officially listed as a member (OAS, Wikipedia).
Analysis
The claim that the OAS includes 35 independent states is supported by multiple credible sources. The OAS itself states that it has 35 member states, which are the independent nations of the Americas (OAS). This information is corroborated by Wikipedia, which details the membership history and current status of the OAS (Wikipedia).
It's important to note that while Cuba is technically a member, its participation is suspended, which sometimes leads to confusion regarding the total count of active members. However, the OAS maintains that Cuba is still recognized as a member state (OAS, Wikipedia).
The sources used in this analysis are reliable. The OAS is a governmental organization with official documentation regarding its membership, and Wikipedia provides a well-sourced overview of the organization's history and structure. Both sources are generally considered credible for information about international organizations.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "The Organisation of American States includes 35 independent states of the Americas" is accurate. The OAS currently comprises 35 member states, including Cuba, which is recognized as a member despite its suspension from participation. This information is consistently supported by both official OAS sources and reputable secondary sources.
