Security Council

5343^rd Meeting (PM)

In Presidential Statement, Security Council urges holding

 

of elections in haiti no later than 7 february

Reiterating Importance of Elections to Restoring Democracy,

Council Expresses Concern over Deterioration of Security in Port-au-Prince

The Security Council reiterated today that the future holding of elections in Haiti was a fundamental step towards restoring democracy and stability in that country.

In a presidential statement (document S/PRST/2006/1) read out by Augustine Mahiga (United Republic of Tanzania), its President for the month of January, the Council took note with concern of the new postponement of the elections in Haiti and expressed its trust that the delay would enable the resolution of logistical and technical problems in order to ensure a transparent, inclusive, free and fair process.

The Council urged the Transitional Government of Haiti and the Conseil Electoral Provisoire to expeditiously announce new and definitive dates for the elections, the first round to be held no later than 7 February 2006.  It urged them to ensure that the polls took place in accordance with international democratic standards, and under conditions conducive to the widest possible participation.  The revised electoral calendar and corresponding budget should be realistic and comprehensive, encompassing national, municipal and local elections.

Reaffirming that security remained essential to the holding of free and equitable elections, the Council expressed its concern over the deterioration of security conditions in Port-au-Prince.  It urged the Haitian National Police and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to continue their efforts for intensified cooperation in order to restore and maintain the rule of law.  In that regard, the Council paid tribute to MINUSTAH peacekeepers killed or injured in the line of duty.

The Council reaffirmed that open and credible elections, based on ownership by the Haitian people, were paramount to the consolidation of democratic institutions and procedures.  However, it recognized at the same time that they did not constitute the sole means to address the longer-term security problems facing Haiti and to restore the rule of law, both of which were critical to stability and sustainable development.

Accordingly, the Council welcomed the donor community’s decision to extend the Interim Cooperation Framework until December 2007 in order to assist the new elected Government to continue reconstruction efforts, and reaffirmed the need for short-, medium- and long-term strategies to ensure coordination and continuity in international assistance to Haiti.

At the meeting’s outset, the President extended his warm wishes for a fruitful New Year to all members of the Council, the United Nations and the Secretariat.  On behalf of the Council, he also welcomed new Council members Congo, Ghana, Peru, Qatar and Slovakia, and expressed its deep gratitude to outgoing members Algeria, Benin, Brazil, Philippines and Romania.

The meeting began at 1:20 p.m. and ended at 1:30 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2006/1 reads as follows:

“The Security Council reiterates its full support for the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Juan Gabriel Valdés.

“The Security Council reiterates that the future holding of elections is a fundamental step towards the restoration of democracy and stability in Haiti.  The Council takes note with concern of the new postponement of the elections in Haiti and, in this regard, trusts that the delay in the electoral calendar will enable the resolution of logistical and technical problems in order to ensure transparent, inclusive, free and fair elections.

“The Security Council urges the Transitional Government of Haiti and the Conseil Electoral Provisoire to expeditiously announce new and definitive dates for the elections, the first round to be held within weeks, but no later than 7 February 2006, and to ensure that the elections will take place in accordance with international democratic standards, and under conditions conducive to the widest possible participation.  The Council calls upon all relevant international stakeholders to continue to collaborate closely with the Transitional Government of Haiti and other national authorities in this endeavour.  The revised electoral calendar and corresponding budget should be realistic and comprehensive, and encompass national, municipal and local elections.

“The Security Council reaffirms that security remains an essential element for the holding of free and equitable elections.  The Council expresses its concern over the deterioration of security conditions in Port-au-Prince, and urges the Haitian National Police and MINUSTAH to continue their efforts to further intensify their cooperation to improve the security situation in order to restore and maintain the rule of law.  In this regard, the Council pays tribute to those MINUSTAH peacekeepers that have been killed or injured in the line of duty.

“The Security Council is of the view that, after the elections, a period of fundamental importance for the long-term stability will follow.  National reconciliation and political dialogue should continue to be promoted as a means to ensure long-term stability and good governance.

“The Security Council reaffirms that open and credible elections, based on the ownership by the Haitian people, are paramount to the consolidation of democratic institutions and procedures, but it recognizes at the same time that they do not constitute the sole means to address the longer term problems that Haiti faces in the security sector and in the restoration of the rule of law, both of which are critical to stability and sustainable development.  The Council welcomes, accordingly, the decision taken by the donor community to extend the Interim Cooperation Framework until December 2007 in order to assist the new elected Government to continue reconstruction efforts.  The Council reaffirms that short-, medium- and long-term strategies, within a unified framework are needed to ensure coordination and continuity in the international assistance to Haiti.”

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For information media • not an official record