Concern For Stability In Haiti

More than two years ago, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, demolishing Port-au-Prince, the country’s capital and largest city. The catastrophe galvanized the global community to immediate action in support of the people of Haiti. Today, the reconstruction continues.

Intending to examine Haiti’s security situation, review reconstruction efforts and assess the consolidation of democracy, the United Nations Security Council undertook a mission to Haiti February 13 to the 16 . It was headed by U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, Susan Rice. In her report on the Council’s trip, she noted that the Haitian people hold a “deep desire” to see their country stand on its own and rely less on international support, with stronger Haitian institutions assuming their responsibility.

“The Council saw that Haiti’s enormous challenges require the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, most importantly the Haitian government and civil society, but also the civilian and military elements of MINUSTAH” --the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti--...” other parts of the UN system, donor governments, and local and international NGOs,” said Ambassador Rice. "These efforts are critical to realizing the government’s goals of attracting investment and creating jobs.”

But the Haitian people have “serious concerns about the bitter disputes that divide Haiti’s political leaders, both within and between the executive and legislative branches of government. . . . they want their elected leaders to put aside winner-take-all politics and work together in a spirit of compromise to solve the nation’s problems,” said Ambassador Rice.

We urge the Executive branch and the Parliament to work together swiftly to identify and confirm a new Prime Minister. We continue to believe that political stability in Haiti is critical to its ability to attract the domestic and foreign investments needed to increase economic development and create jobs in Haiti.

The Executive, Parliament and other governmental parties need to ensure continuity of governance and commitment to democratic values by rapidly confirming a new Prime Minister, holding Parliamentary and local elections as soon as possible, continuing the fight against corruption, and ensuring that the rights of all Haitians are respected under the rule of law.