Joint Statement on Haiti

The following is the text of a joint statement by the United States, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS) and Canada, issued at Washington, D.C. on February 13, 2004:
“We have met today to coordinate efforts to support a peaceful, negotiated, democratic, and constitutional resolution to the political crisis in Haiti. We share deep concern over the suffering of the people of Haiti, and deplore the loss of life that has occurred in the latest wave of violence and lawlessness. We condemn such violence and call on the Government of Haiti to respect the rights, especially the human rights, of all citizens and residents of Haiti, and call on all Haitians to respect the rule of law. We call also on the Government of Haiti and on all others to ensure that supplies of fuel, food and medicines are able to reach the people who need them throughout the country.
“We urge the Government of Haiti to implement the actions to which it has committed itself under OAS Resolutions 806, 822, and 1959, and as reiterated by its adherence to the current initiative begun by the Caribbean Community. Only through urgent implementation of the confidence-building measures outlined in these documents can consensus be built to allow a resolution of Haiti’s political crisis, in accordance with the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
“We call specifically on the political opposition and civil society to act responsibly, refrain from violence and fulfill their responsibilities and engage in the democratic process in accordance with the CARICOM proposal.
“As the Government of Haiti moves forward on these measures, the international community will undertake renewed efforts to restore the rule of law, including professionalization of the Haitian National Police. Through these steps, we expect all Haitians to be able to again enjoy their constitutionally-mandated freedoms and participate meaningfully in the democratic process.”

Released on February 13, 2004

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