ARTICLE - UN- CONCERN - LEG. + EXEC.

THE CONSTANT CLASH BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE IS A CONCERN FOR THE UN
(Haiti Libre) -

At the 6732nd meeting of the Security Council, Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the UN, reported on March 8, 2012, of the major events that occurred in Haiti between August 25, 2011 [date of publication of his last report] and February 28, 2012. Ban Ki-moon stressed that the constant clash between the executive and legislative branches, and the tensions within the Executive show that the Haitian political leaders have gravely failed in their responsibility of meeting the legitimate aspirations of those who elected them, and ensuring Haitians, an efficient government at a time where the country has unprecedented needs.

It is the responsibility of the Haitian powers, Executive and legislative, to act in the best interests of the people, and quickly appoint a new Prime Minister, Mr. Ban writes. It encourages them to work together to avoid, by all means possible, the recent disputes that have hampered progressing towards the strengthening and the reforming of governance institutions in Haiti.

In this regard, the Secretary-General strongly supports the appeal made by members of the Security Council during their recent visit to Haiti, to work together in a spirit of compromise. He encourages all stakeholders to engage in a constructive political dialogue to reach a political agreement, and to reconciliation based on mutual tolerance.

The Secretary General expressed the hope that the Haitian authorities soon will revive the electoral process for the holding of future legislative elections, municipal and local partial elections, and that they will establish a credible Electoral Council, which will help to revitalize Haiti's institutions, and mitigate the institutional void when the mandates of 10 senators will expire on May 8, 2012.

It is particularly important that the Government mobilizes resources to provide the electoral council with the administrative means and of electoral management, he adds; noting that the Minustah is ready to support the electoral process, as it did in the past, and to coordinate the international electoral assistance to Haiti in cooperation with other international stakeholders.

Mr. Ban stressed that the Haitian authorities must increasingly take responsibility for the stability of their country, implying a greater state presence throughout the national territory, represented by the National Police, a functional judicial system, and an efficient public administration.

It must promote education and provide basic services, shelter and protection to those still displaced by the earthquake.

The Government and Parliament must take the opportunity offered by this great interest of the international community to strengthen the rule of law, and establish stronger and more stable institutions, reliable property rights, and the legal guarantees required by foreign investment, said the Secretary-General.

Many delegations urged the Government of Haiti to take over the process of recovery and development of Haiti, finding the necessary difficult measures ... for the lack of political will, and the deep resistance to reform in Haiti that continue to hamper the growth of the country.

Considering that the political unrest is responsible for a drop of 4% growth in 2011 initially estimated at 11%, the Special Representative, who presented the latest report of the Secretary-General of the Minustah, urged politicians to unite, so that the predictions of 8% for 2012 are reached.

Delegates, have for their part, all wished, in the best interests of the Haitian people, that the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Mr Laurent Lamothe, is endorsed.

The representative of China felt that reconciliation was the key to maintain peace and stability and urged the Government to take responsibility, especially to promote the rule of law and strengthen national institutions; to attract investors and create jobs.

In the same vein, the delegate of India found that political reconciliation was a priority to establish an effective administration that can promote sustainable economic and social development.