ARTICLE - FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

RESUME OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
(Haiti Libre) -

Resume of the Meeting

On friday, February 24, 2012, at approximately 9:30 am, the Foreign Affairs Committee, at the request of Guy Gérard Georges, the President of the Commission, held a meeting. After words of welcome from the President of the Commission, along with other members, it was the turn of the guests to introduce themselves; the Ministers Laurent Lamothe of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Daniel Supplice of Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) along with Directors General, Nixon Myrtil for the MFA, Joseph L. Augustine of MHAVE and Mr. Ady Jean Gardy, the Chief of Cabinet for the Chancellor.

The President of the Commission stated that this meeting was intended to learn about the operation of these ministries, embassies and consulates and to know how was the evolving situation of Haitians living abroad.

"It is for the Commission to collect a certain amount of information and to report this to the Assembly of Deputies. It wishes to have accurate information [...] and manifests the desire to develop sincere relationships with both Ministries, which it has a relational charge"

Regarding the functioning of embassies and consulates, Chancellor Lamothe handed to the President two documents explaining the new Government strategy and reforms that are underway for privileged local services such as: the opening of Consulates on Saturday and home services for the disabled and the elderly. He said that the ambassadors have a duty for results by promoting the country and that they are able to bring at least two delegations of businessmen to Haiti [annually], by making available funds to achieve this goal.

"At missions abroad, we are searching for more efficiency by reducing expenses. Having Honorary Consuls on the principle of reciprocity in various countries, and the appointment of individuals as Goodwill Ambassadors for their commitments and reputation. We want the Consulates to become centers of strategic promotion, and not places for passport delivery. In some places, like Miami, Washington, Dominican Republic, France, Belgium, Italy, homes housing the Haitian missions are the property of the Haitian state. In New York, we are considering the acquisition of premises to house the Consulate, and the Mission to the United Nations to reduce the cost of rent". On this last point, a deputy pointed out that at the time of Wilson Desir, the Consulate had an apartment. He asks the Minister of Foreign Affairs to investigate this possibility. Guests have asked the Commission to contribute to their efforts, by ensuring that ministries get the budgetary support necessary for the realization of their projects.

The Foreign Ministry has announced a policy of renovation, by the rejuvenation of executives recruited in Universities of competition. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated, that there will soon be a competitive process, but added that Haitians living abroad, who hold a residence card or of another nationality, shall not apply for a diplomatic post, by prohibition of the Vienna Convention.

The Commission has reviewed some of the problems that confronts the Mission of Cuba and some concerns of the country's image projected by the Cuban cooperation workers when they return to Cuba, which are also highly detrimental to the Haitian students and to the Haitian community in general. Speaking on this point, Minister Supplice pointed out that the problem with this mission, is largely a matter of distance vis-à-vis the vast majority of the Diaspora and students who are concentrated in Santiago [Cuba]. He suggested the opening of a Consulate in Santiago de Cuba. This proposal was accepted. Many consulates will thus emerge, in Santiago de Cuba, Provincial and St. Martin among others. The MHAVE is pleased with this.

It was also agreed that it will no longer be necessary to send to Washington, passports issued abroad for final preparation, and that various changes will be made for this purpose.

Minister Lamothe, answering a question concerning reforms in diplomatic missions has indicated that there was no revocation. "The executives recalled will soon be deployed in the Ministries so that the country can benefit from their experience and expertise." After providing explanations on the concept of Business Diplomacy, the Chancellor said that the latter is not his invention, but something that is found everywhere, especially in Germany and the United States, and has assured Members of the Commission, that Classic Diplomacy is always appreciated.

Ady Jean Gardy, the Chief of Cabinet of Chancellor Lamothe, treated the component of the Union of African States where he participated in the last Assembly, as representative of Haiti, saying that "The Union is composed of 54 African countries, and Haiti has always had an observer status for historical reasons. First, Haiti is the first country in the African Diaspora [...] and on the other hand, most current African leaders, had Haitian teachers for their training. This explains why, Haiti, while benefiting from an associated status with the UEA, enjoys the same privileges as other member countries, except the right to vote, which it does not have. The benefits for our country are also economic, with the right of access to credit with the African Development Bank, the cooperation within the framework of the promotion of Cocoa and on the political plan, more allies in major UN decisions. Another advantage for Haiti is the use of this forum as an attraction strategy vis-à-vis Asian countries, and Australia."

About the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), Haiti maintains its status as an observer country, acquired since 2007, by adhering to the principles and enjoying the benefits such as:
- the increase of the tripartite Haiti-Cuba-Venezuela cooperation
- the increase of economic aid and structural
- the benefits offered by the special plan for Haiti in the areas of agriculture, education and infrastructure, among others.

Around the delicate problem of the Haitian presence in the Dominican Republic, the MHAVE intervened to take stock of this issue, drawing members' attention to the change in the migration path which ceases to be a migration to Bateys as before, to become today an agricultural migration, of construction and services. The Commission agreed that this issue needed more space for discussion and proposed to treat it later.

The last point was addressed specifically to the MHAVE and concerned its relations with the Diaspora. The Minister gave the results of his visits to the communities, and especially his plan to grant an identification card to all Haitians living outside the country.... Although divided on this project, the deputies nevertheless wish its realization as quickly as possible. While seeking budgetary support from the Commission, Minister Supplice believes that this project could begin next summer.

This meeting took place under the sign of mutual respect, despite the news to the Commission, announcing the resignation of Prime Minister. Everyone expressed the desire to continue working for the welfare of Haiti, in the same spirit.