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OAS SECRETARY GENERAL INSULZA CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN HAITI

  April 11, 2008

Secretary General José Miguel Insulza of the Organization of American States (OAS) has expressed his concern over the latest developments in Haiti, condemning acts of violence that have accompanied the demonstrations and calling on all Haitians to uphold the rule of law and to refrain from any action that could undermine the process of socio-economic development and the progress achieved thus far.

Insulza said that as those events continue to unfold, the OAS has been meeting with several strategic partners in the international community, including the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti and the OAS Group of Friends of Haiti, to analyze the current situation and to find appropriate mechanisms to provide urgent support for the government and people of Haiti.

“The OAS welcomes the support already pledged by several member states to alleviate the situation in Haiti, and appeals to Haitian leaders and all stakeholders to work together to resolve the current impasse, in the interest of moving the nation forward,” Secretary General Insulza stated.

With reference to the priority the OAS has given to Haiti, Insulza said the organization remains fully committed to the Haitian people and will continue mobilizing the necessary assistance with particular focus on helping the neediest among the Haitian population. The OAS will also work with its inter-American partners such as the Pan-American Development Foundation [PADF] to provide aid to the people of Haiti.

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Reference: E-125/08