CONGRESSMANMICHAEL MCCAUL(R-TX ) AND THEFUTURE T IESBETWEEN THECONGRESSES OFBOTH COUNTRIES

Bilateral Relations

OUR IRREVOCABLECOMMITMENT TOTHE FULLENFORCEMENT OFHUMAN R IGHTS

Human Rights

EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA, WASHINGTON, D .C .

ARGENTINAIN FOCUS

DECEMBER 2020 / / NEWSLETTER

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ARGENTINE ENERGYSECRETARY ATV IRTUAL EVENT: "THEDEVELOPMENT OFARGENTINA 'SENERGY SECTOR -WHAT 'S NEXT?"

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Once again, I share with you the latest edition of our Embassy Newsletter. This editionincludes an article in commemoration of Human Rights Day and the anniversary of thereturn to democracy in Argentina, in 1983. This edition also includes an article about the visit at the Embassy of representative MichaelMcCaul (R-TX), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Finally, an article on the participation of the Argentine Energy Secretary, DaríoMartínez, at the webinar “The development of Argentina’s energy sector - What’sNext? “

Jorge Argüello Ambassador to the United States

After the recovery of democracy, Argentinaincluded the promotion and protection of HumanRights as a key axis of its foreign policy, reflectinga consolidated state policy. The promotion andprotection of human rights is a cross-cutting issuein all public policies and includes the mainconcerns of Argentine society.

At a regional and international level, our country’s

December 10 is International Human Rights Day,in commemoration of the adoption of theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights by theGeneral Assembly of the United Nations in 1948.In Argentina, we also celebrate the Restoration ofDemocracy Day, in observance of the return ofdemocracy and the rule of law after the last civic-military dictatorship (1976-1983), one of thedarkest periods in our history.

The president-elect, Raúl R. Alfonsín (left), takes office on December 10, 1983.

OUR IRREVOCABLE COMMITMENT TO THE FULLENFORCEMENT OF HUMAN R IGHTS

HUMAN RIGHTS | ARG IN FOCUS

leadership is displayed in diverse initiatives, withfar-reaching contributions to the progressivedevelopment of international human rights lawand international humanitarian law, such as theRight to the Truth; the protection of peopleagainst enforced disappearances; the use offorensic genetics for human rights violationscases; expansion of the rights of different groupsin vulnerable situations; protection of the rights ofrefugees and migrants; prevention of genocideand other massive atrocities; protection of schoolsand educational installations during armedconflicts; and the enforcement of economic, socialand cultural rights, among other issues.

This sizeable human rights agenda has beenpossible thanks to the process of eradicatingimpunity for the crimes against humanityperpetrated during State terrorism; this has givenour country a renewed legitimacy and leadership,positioning it at the forefront of importantinitiatives.

Regarding the universal system, Argentina is amember of the Human Rights Council of theUnited Nations Organization and works throughits agencies and procedures to achieve more just,inclusive, diverse societies that can fully enjoyhuman rights. With this commitment as a guide,Argentina recently presented its candidacy torenew its mandate for the 2022-2024.

At a regional level, our country supports the Inter-American Human Rights System, which has playeda key role for the victims of State terrorism andtheir families in the search for justice. Argentinaconsiders the Inter-American Human RightsSystem an early warning mechanism that operates

AFTER THE RECOVERY OFDEMOCRACY , ARGENTINA

INCLUDED THE PROMOTIONAND PROTECTION OF HUMANRIGHTS AS A KEY AX IS OF ITS

FOREIGN POLICY

HUMAN RIGHTS | ARG IN FOCUS

Plaza de Mayo, December 10, 1983, the day of the return to democracy.

within the State to make institutionalimprovements, as well as legislative andjurisprudential developments, fostering thefriendly settlement mechanism as a preferentialtool to resolve cases and petitions.

In all the fora in which it participates, Argentina'shuman rights agenda includes fighting against alltypes of discrimination by promoting andprotecting the human rights of people and groupsin situations of vulnerability and/or are historicallydiscriminated against, such as boys and girls,LGBTIQ people, people of African descent,indigenous peoples, the elderly, people withdisabilities, migrants and refugees, among others.Likewise, social inclusion policies focused onrespecting economic, social, and cultural rightshave a prominent place on the agenda.

The creation of the Ministry of Women, Genderand Diversities in December 2019 demonstratesour country’s commitment to make progress onpending issues in the agenda of equality andequity between genders, through expanding rightsfor women and LGTBIQ people, and themainstreaming of the gender perspective in thedesign and implementation of national publicpolicies.

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As regards the recognition of the human rights ofwomen, genders and diversities, Argentina hasmade great progress. In terms of legislation, thefollowing laws can be highlighted: humanized birth(2004), surgical contraception (2006),comprehensive sexual education (2006),comprehensive protection to prevent, punish anderadicate violence against women (2009), equalmarriage (2010), gender identity (2012), genderparity in areas of political representation (2017)and the Micaela law (2018).

December 10th represents an opportunity toreaffirm the importance of human rights and tocontinue working towards more equitable, just,inclusive, and diverse societies.

AT A REGIONAL LEVEL , OURCOUNTRY SUPPORTS THEINTER-AMERICAN HUMAN

RIGHTS SYSTEM, WHICH HASPLAYED A KEY ROLE FOR THE

VICT IMS OF STATE TERRORISMAND THEIR FAMIL IES .

HUMAN RIGHTS | ARG IN FOCUS

Last Wednesday, December 2, 2020, as part of theproject to relaunch the Argentine Caucus for thenext Congress and an effort to deepen relationswith the United States Congress, AmbassadorJorge Arguello welcomed Representative MichaelMcCaul (R-TX), ranking member of the HouseForeign Affairs Committee, to the Embassy. Michael McCaul was elected Representative in2004 and has been the ranking member of theabove mentioned Committee since legislativeelections in late 2018 and will continue in thatposition during the next parliamentary term.McCaul had previously served as chairman of theHouse Committee on Homeland Security, and asfirst co-chair of the Argentine Caucus, until he wasreplaced in 2019 by Jeff Duncan. McCaulcontinues to be a member of our Caucus.

The Argentina Caucus is a parliamentary group ofbilateral friendship, similar to the one at theArgentine Chamber of Deputies. It was launchedon January 9, 2018 by Representatives Eliot Engelfrom New York and Michael McCaul. The officiallaunch event took place at the Rayburn Building ofthe House of Representatives, and guests fromthe local political, academic, and business sectorswere present, as well as several US legislatorsfrom both parties that are members of the group,including the two co-chairs, and a delegation ofArgentine legislators and officials from theEmbassy to the United States. The creation of this friendship group withArgentina in the House of Representatives ofthe US Congress, is a clear symbol of theexisting good bilateral relationship, and

CONGRESSMAN MICHAEL MCCAUL (R -TX ) AND THE FUTURETIES BETWEEN THE CONGRESSES OF BOTH COUNTRIES

Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Ambassador Jorge Argüello

BILATERAL RELATIONS | ARG IN FOCUS

represents valuable ties between Argentine andUS legislators.

Indeed, the Argentine Caucus serves as a link thatallows legislators with an interest in improving thebilateral relationship, as well as to hold meetingsto inform Congress members and advisers on theevents in Argentina and promote ideas tostrengthen bilateral cooperation the current co-chairs of the Caucus are Representative Jim Himes(D-CT) and Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC). During the meeting at the embassy, thediscussions included the renewal of the ArgentineCaucus and possible activities to be carried outnext year, in particular bringing both Congressescloser together through the ParliamentaryFriendship Group with the United States in theArgentine Chamber of Deputies, thereby fosteringthe relationship between its members and themembers of the Caucus. Congressman McCaul and Ambassador Argüelloalso discussed the Argentine situation and growthprospects for the coming year, as well as issuesrelated to bilateral trade and the United States'relations with Latin America.

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DURING THE MEETING AT THEEMBASSY , THE DISCUSSIONSINCLUDED THE RENEWAL OF

THE ARGENTINE CAUCUS ANDPOSSIBLE ACT IV IT IES TO BECARRIED OUT NEXT YEAR , INPARTICULAR BRINGING BOTH

CONGRESSES CLOSER

BILATERAL RELATIONS | ARG IN FOCUS

the ecosystem in the United States to informthem of the current status of the ecosystem andfuture growth prospects. More than 280 peopleparticipated in the event, demonstrating the greatinterest in the opportunities our country has tooffer in the energy sector.

In his presentation, the Energy Secretary outlinedsome of the announcements made last Octoberat the launch of the Gas 4 Plan, and reaffirmedthat “thanks to the Gas.Ar Plan, we hope to obtain30,800 million cubic meters over four years”. Healso anticipated other complementary initiativesto encourage investment and boost productiongrowth (for more information on the Plan, pleasesee issue No. 20 of the Newsletter).

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TRADE & INVESTMENT | ARG IN FOCUS

ARGENTINE ENERGY SECRETARY AT V IRTUAL EVENT: "THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARGENTINA 'S ENERGY SECTOR -WHAT 'S NEXT?"

In early December, the Embassy, together with theArgentine Institute of Oil and Gas of Houston,held a virtual seminar focused on the energysector: “The development of Argentina’s energysector - What’s Next? “ This webinar included the participation of theArgentine Ambassador to the United States, JorgeArguello and IAPG members. Darío Martínez, theArgentine Energy Secretary, made a presentationon the present and future of this sector. TheSecretary was accompanied by theUndersecretary of Hydrocarbons, Maggie LuzVidela Oporto, and the Vice President ofCammesa, Ariel Kogan. This event was mainlyaimed at companies in the sector that are part of

Photo Credit: en.argencon.org

President Alberto Fernández and Secretary of Energy Darío Martínez

Regarding the start of the Plan for the Promotionof Argentine Gas Production 2020-2024,Secretary Martínez stated: “Our Secretariat’sobjective with the Gas.Ar Plan is to go hand in handwith the general guidelines that the Presidentproposed for the development of Argentina; in thiscase, to produce more gas, generating fiscal savingsand increased tax collection.”

The Secretary presented the timeline for theaward process, marked by transparency andcompetitiveness. On December 3rd, Neuquén-based producers offered 49.35 MMm3/day ofgas, and in the southern region of the country,proposals totaled 18.5 million, which meant thatthe initiative reached an offer equivalent to67,850 MMm3/day of gas. The auctioned projects will be awarded onDecember 15, which reinforces the idea that thisnew mechanism seeks to guarantee transparencyand competitiveness among producers in thesector.

The Secretary also referred to two bills that arebeing evaluated at present and, which heexplained were complementary to the Gas Plan.He mentioned the Bill for the Promotion ofInvestments in the Energy Sector, which he said“will provide support in terms of setting out clearrules for the oil sector, so that the industry enjoyspredictability and medium and long-term objectives.We hope to present it before the end of this year.” Healso mentioned that they hope to finalize thedevelopment of investment projects in energyinfrastructure in the coming months, in order toenhance the transportation capacity of VacaMuerta’s increasing production.

The other complementary bill, “Minimum BudgetLaw for Environmental Protection”, was outlinedby the Undersecretary of Hydrocarbons MaggieVidela, who described the current inter-consultation process with the Argentine provincesand the Ministry of the Environment. It is meant asa guide for the environmentally responsiblemanagement of oil and gas activities, an effort towhich Argentina is firmly committed. Regarding the promotion of investments in thesector and the search for new partners in theUnited States, Argentine Ambassador JorgeArgüello highlighted “the unique potential ofinvestment opportunities in Argentina, such as VacaMuerta, the only place outside the United Stateswhere unconventional production is currently takingplace.” Along these lines, he mentioned that "themajor North American companies are alreadyinvesting in Argentina, now we need many more, tofurther develop shale in our country.”

THE AUCTIONED PROJECTSWILL BE AWARDED ONDECEMBER 15 , WHICH

REINFORCES THE IDEA THATTHIS NEW MECHANISM SEEKS

TO GUARANTEETRANSPARENCY AND

COMPETIT IVENESS AMONGPRODUCERS IN THE SECTOR.

TRADE & INVESTMENT | ARG IN FOCUS

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