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STATEMENT OF OAS PERMANENT COUNCIL DELEGATION FOLLOWING VISIT TO HAITI, SEPTEMBER 9 TO 11

The representative delegation of the OAS Permanent Council has concluded its three-day visit to Haiti, intended to issue a clear political message reflecting the Organization’s interest in the full restoration of democracy in Haiti, in keeping with the mandate issued by the OAS General Assembly and arising from the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

The members of the delegation are:

- Ambassador Rodolfo Gil of Argentina
- Ambassador Armando Vitor Boisson Cardoso of Brazil (residing in Haiti)
- Ambassador Paul Durand of Canada
- Ambassador Esteban Tomic of Chile
- Ambassador Timothy Dunn of the United States
- Ambassador Francisco Villagran of Guatemala
- Minister Ernesto Campos of Mexico
- Ambassador Luis Enrique Chase Plate of Paraguay
- Ambassador Jorge Valero Briceño of Venezuela

along with the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Ambassador Luigi Einaudi, and myself, Ambassador Carmen Marina Gutiérrez Salazar of Nicaragua, as Chair.

As it concludes its visit to Haiti, the delegation wishes:

- To thank the provisional Government of Haiti–particularly Interim President Boniface Alexandre, Prime Minister Gerard Latortue, and their ministers--, the members of the Provisional Electoral Council, religious leaders, representatives of political parties, civil society, and all those who responded to the invitation to meet with the delegation during this visit.

- To reaffirm its faith in Haiti and in the Haitian people, who have shown the delegation their capability and optimism on numerous occasions.

- To express support for efforts made by the people, the transitional government, and all political, economic, and social actors to address the country’s economic, social, and political challenges. In particular, the delegation wishes to encourage the provisional government to take the necessary measures to address the fundamental problem of disarming the various armed groups that are threatening public safety and governance. (The Permanent Representative of Venezuela issues a reservation on this point).

- To emphasize its conviction that the only way to build a better future is the way of democratic institutions that respect human rights and political pluralism within a framework of law applied equally to all. The delegation states for the record that its position on the judicial proceedings instituted against figures from the prior regime–such as former Prime Minister Yvon Neptune–is that they should be resolved swiftly and impartially.
- To pledge its support to the OAS Special Mission for Strengthening Democracy in Haiti, headed by the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ambassador Denneth Modeste.

- To commit itself to urging the governments represented in the delegation to attach higher priority and urgency to continuing international aid to Haiti through the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the OAS Special Mission. In particular, the delegation urges governments that are friends to Haiti, and the appropriate financial institutions, to expedite the corresponding disbursements. (The Permanent Representative of Venezuela issues a reservation on this point).

- Returning to the situation in Haiti, we wish to recognize the spirit of development and participation we have witnessed during all our encounters and to encourage progress toward an inclusive dialogue that represents all sectors of the country.

- Specifically, to pledge our direct support for the immediate launch of a citizen registration program, not only to assist the Provisional Electoral Council in holding free and transparent elections in 2005 but also to compile a civil registry offering the identity and dignity of citizens to all Haitians, without political, social, or economic discrimination. (The Permanent Representative of Venezuela issues a reservation on this point).




Port-au-Prince, September 11, 2004

Reference: CP-HAITEN