Security Council Press Statement on Haiti
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Ismael Abraão Gaspar Martins (Angola):
The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern regarding the continued suspension of electoral rounds in Haiti and called for the completion of the electoral cycle without further delay to allow the Haitian people the opportunity to vote for their elected representatives in a free, fair, inclusive and transparent contest.
The members of the Security Council noted the 5 February political accord, which provided a Haitian-led and -owned road map for the swift conclusion of the current electoral cycle and strongly urged all relevant actors in Haiti to adhere to the accord and implement its provisions within the agreed timeline, and underscored the importance of formally reinstituting the Provisional Electoral Council in this regard.
The members of the Security Council further noted the increasing number of challenges Haiti faces which can only be effectively resolved through close coordination between a democratically elected Government and Haiti’s international partners.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their strong condemnation of any attempt to destabilize the electoral process, in particular through violence, and urged all candidates, their supporters, political parties and other political actors to remain calm, refrain from violence or any action that can further disrupt the electoral process and political stability, and to resolve any electoral disputes through constructive engagement and the appropriate legal mechanisms and for the Government of Haiti to hold those responsible for any violence accountable.
The members of the Council commended the Haitian National Police, with support from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), for their efforts to maintain peace and protect the civilian population.
The members of the Security Council welcomed the continued efforts of the United Nations, other multilateral agencies, regional organizations and United Nations Member States in supporting Haiti’s critical needs.
The members of the Security Council expressed their intention to continue to follow closely the situation in Haiti.