COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE

Press Release                                                                                    (E-246-03)
December 17, 2003

STRONG SUPPORT FOR OAS SPECIAL MISSION

The Organization of American States (OAS) will remain engaged in Haiti and the work of the Organization’s Special Mission for Strengthening Democracy in Haiti will continue. The OAS Permanent Council so decided today, reaffirming the Special Mission’s mandate to contribute to the search for a solution to Haiti’s political crisis, under the terms of Permanent Council Resolutions 806 and 822. The Council also decided that the Special Mission’s focus should continue to be security, governance, democracy, justice and human rights.

Permanent Council Chairman Ambassador Salvador Rodezno of Honduras stressed that the OAS’ ability to continue the Special Mission’s engagement will depend on the concrete demonstration of political will by the government of Haiti; on the Haitian people’s understanding of the role of the Special Mission and, of equal importance, on the availability of resources to continue its operations.

The Council’s decision followed a report by Bahamian Ambassador Joshua Sears on recommendations of a working group he chaired to review the mandate of the OAS Special Mission. A preliminary concept for multidisciplinary international protection teams to support the holding of credible elections in Haiti featured among recommendations put forward by the working group. The Council asked the Special Mission to develop the concept for review by member states.

United States Ambassador John Maisto said “It is clear that the Government of Haiti has the obligation and must acquire the political will to put its house in order and to undertake concrete measures to allow the exercise of constitutional rights of free speech and assembly.” He then pledged an additional $1 million “to ensure continued operation of the Special Mission,” and indicated that the U.S. will consider additional funds for activities that focus on security and promotion of human rights. Finally, the U.S. envoy called on the opposition to cooperate in forging a political solution, and stated “only Haitians, not any outside force, will solve Haiti’s problems.”

Ambassador Paul Durand renewed Canada’s strong commitment and said his government is considering fresh resources for the Special Mission. Ambassador Valter Pecly of Brazil and Minister Ernesto Campos of Mexico said their governments are considering ways to support OAS activities in Haiti. Ambassador Joshua Sears of The Bahamas announced an additional contribution of $10,000 to the Special Mission.

Haiti’s Ambassador Raymond Valcin expressed appreciation for the report and for the member states continued assistance. He said the detrimental effects of the current political polarization underscore the need for all parties—the Haitian government, opposition, civil society and the international community—to contribute towards a solution.

For his part, OAS Assistant Secretary General Luigi Einaudi reported on the December 5 violence at the University of Haiti, in which, among others, the Rector and Vice Rector were injured, and subsequent street demonstrations by supporters and opponents of the government.

The Council denounced that violence and loss of life, emphasizing that “The Special Mission cannot be expected to assume any responsibilities which properly belong to the government of Haiti.”

Declaring the OAS member states are prepared to help, Einaudi reiterated that, “These events require urgent action by all concerned to support the rule of law. The primary responsibility for maintenance of security in the country lies with the Government of Haiti. But all Haitians have a responsibility to seek a peaceful and democratic outcome to this crisis.”

Einaudi noted this is all the more important given the approaching bicentenary of Haiti’s independence, “an event of importance not only for that country but also for this hemisphere as a whole.”

The Permanent Council expressed its congratulations to Haiti “on the occasion of the celebration of the bicentennial of independence of that country and welcomed Haiti’s seminal contribution to the liberation of peoples of the Americas.”