ARTICLE - FAD'H URGED TO LEAVE

THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE URGES THE OCCUPANTS TO LEAVE THE FORMER BARRACKS
(Haiti Libre) -

The Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities and National Defense (MICTDN) urges armed individuals in military fatigues, to cease operations and leave the former barracks of the Armed Forces of Haiti, as well as all sites belonging to the Haitian State. Under no circumstances, will the government tolerate that, outside the law, armed individuals continue in all impunity to disturb the public peace. By this statement the Ministry clearly disavows the statements of Réginald Delva, the Secretary of State for Public Security, who had indicated last Friday that, "following an agreement with the authorities, these citizens will not be forced to vacate the premises, but will not have the right to move in military uniform and be armed," adding that negotiations were continuing...

The MICTDN encourages all youth associated with individuals claiming to be of the former Armed Forces of Haiti in several localities, to stand apart from them and apply preferably for the services for maintaining order and security of the Republic such as the Haiti National Police (PNH), Immigration and Emigration (DIE) and the Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC). The doors of these institutions are open to young Haitians seeking work, meeting the criteria for recruitment of these directions.

Moreover, the Ministry wishes to advise that no payment of arrears or remuneration will occur as the concerned have not left the sites illegally occupied. Their departure from these buildings in order, discipline and calm is a prerequisite to any compensation. Aware of social and economic problems faced by the ex-military, the authorities reiterated their firm determination to take all measures consistent with the law to meet these needs.

Recall that 4 days before the expiration of the period of 15 days of the Ministry, the former sergeant, Jean Baptiste Joseph, National Spokesman for the demobilized soldiers stated that the Chief of State was also the nominal head of the army. "We must obey him, we no longer go out in military fatigues and armed as he ordered, but we do not have to go back home, because we are already there, the camp of application is our home."

The Department has indicated that Haiti faces many challenges, social, economic and political, and that the government is working hard to address these challenges for the welfare of the entire Haitian population.