ARTICLE - MARIANO FERNANDEZ - STATEMENT

STATEMENTS OF MARIANO FERNANDEZ ON THE SITUATION IN HAITI
(Haiti Libre) -

This Thursday, February 23, Mariano Fernández Amunátegui, Special Representative of UN Secretary General in Haiti, made ​​a statement to the press, in which, .... he shared his observations and concerns about the current situation in Haiti.

Full statement of Mariano Fernández Amunátegui:

"The Minustah congratulates the Haitian authorities for the recent progress in the strengthening of the rule of law in Haiti, including the appointment of four additional judges to the Court of Cassation, and the announcement of the forthcoming establishment OF the Superior Council of j the Judiciary (CSPJ). We also want to thank the Haitian authorities for the successful conduct of the Security Council of the United Nations visit in Haiti.

The year 2012, could be a turning point for Haiti in terms of reconstruction, economic growth, investment and the strengthening of political institutions and governance, if ...., the Haitian authorities decide to move forward on priority elements that could constitute the basis of political stability; the adoption by Parliament of the national budget; the development of a consensus of legislative agenda; the publication of the amendments of the Constitution, and the organization of local, municipal and Senate elections in 2012.

However, we have observed since several weeks a series of repeated crises between the executive and legislative powers that undermine the proper functioning of the institutions and the democratic process. The political deadlock and institutional paralysis between the Government, Parliament and the President does not reflect the commitments they have undertaken vis-à-vis the Haitian people, and are not likely to create the necessary conditions for recovery of the economy and the consolidation of democracy.

We have noted the statements of the Prime Minister and of the Minister of the Interior about the grouping across the country of armed elements, some of which are from the former Armed Forces of Haiti. We expect that these statements are accompanied by concrete actions to put an end to this ad hoc process of groupings, which is an unnecessary provocation. We reiterate that the choice to recreate a second force is a legitimate question and a sovereign decision. However, this initiative must not come at the expense of the capacity building and staffing of the National Police of Haiti, as stated by the Security Council. In this perspective, the Minustah and its international partners support the strengthening of the National Police of Haiti, in charge of ensuring security and sustainable stability in the country.

We also remain very concerned about the delay in organizing the forthcoming local elections, municipal and senatorial which constitute a constitutional requirement. It takes political will to move forward. Just as successful elections can strengthen democratic institutions and socio-political consensus around the priorities of government, elections delayed or controversial could undermine the efforts to project the image of a country where institutions are strong and able to guarantee the political stability and the security of domestic and foreign investment.

We are confident that the entire international community shares our view and we will work together to contribute to the stabilization and development of Haiti for the benefit of the welfare of its citizens. We reiterate our firm commitment to support the Haitian authorities and people in the irreversible consolidation of the rule of law based on the institutions stipulated in the Constitution, laws, transparency and good governance. We strongly encourage the Haitian authorities to build consensus beyond partisan differences that will serve to strengthen the country's institutions, political stability and economic development."