SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON HAITI

 

The following Security Council press statement on Haiti was read out today by Council President Dumisani S. Kumalo ( South Africa):

The members of the Security Council were briefed this morning on recent developments in Haiti by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Hedi Annabi.

The members of the Security Council welcomed progress in stabilizing Haiti.  They expressed support for continued implementation of the Haitian National Police reform plan as well as MINUSTAH’s efforts to assist Haiti with securing its land and maritime borders.  They welcomed recent progress made towards judicial reform and in establishing rule of law, with MINUSTAH’s assistance.  They underscored the importance of continuing to promote respect for human rights.  They commended Haiti for the adoption of a strategic plan for the National Prison Administration and stressed the need to implement it.

The members of the Security Council strongly deplored the violence which took place on 4 April 2008, and expressed their deep regret about the loss of life.  They condemned the attack against MINUSTAH facilities in Les Cayes and stressed the importance of ensuring the security of UN personnel.

The members of the Security Council commended the decisions taken by the Government to organize senatorial and other indirect elections and they looked forward to the early adoption of the electoral law.  They recognized the continued cooperation of the Organization of the American States in voter registration as well as the willingness of donors to provide the necessary funding.

The members of the Security Council expressed concern at the humanitarian situation and encouraged the international donors to provide emergency relief.

The members of the Security Council, while noting the primary responsibility of the Government and the people of Haiti over the country’s stabilization, recognized the importance of sustained international support for Haiti’s efforts to tackle the challenges it confronts to achieve a sustained path to development.  They welcomed the long-term commitment of international donors and encouraged them to continue strengthening their levels of assistance.  In this regard, they welcomed Haiti’s call for a high-level international conference in Port-au-Prince on 25 April 2008.  They also reiterated their support for the Secretary-General’s intention to prepare a consolidation plan with benchmarks to measure continued progress, on the basis of consultation with the Haitian authorities.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their sustained support to the Government of Haiti and to MINUSTAH in their efforts towards ensuring stability, consolidating democracy, and sustaining conditions conductive to economic growth, social development and the delivery of humanitarian assistance and basic services to the Haitian people.  They expressed their determination to continue to closely follow the situation in Haiti.

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For information media • not an official record