Violent Demonstrations In Haiti

The United States is deeply concerned about violent demonstrations that have taken place in Haiti over the past two weeks. We are particularly troubled by the violence and intimidation perpetrated by government-backed “popular organizations” and their allies in Port au Prince, Gonaives, and Cap Haitien.

The United States deplores the deterioration of the political climate in Haiti that these events represent. We call on all parties, in a spirit of national reconciliation and compromise, to work calmly and seriously toward a peaceful and democratic solution to Haiti’s political crisis, which has gone on far too long.

The United States strongly supports the OAS Special Mission and OAS Resolution 822, which offer a clear path toward resolution of the crisis. We call on all parties involved in the implementation of Resolution 822 to eschew violence, and to play a constructive role in forming a Provisional Electoral Council as an essential step toward free and fair elections in 2003. The Government of Haiti must act now to fulfill its commitments under the Resolution, most notably to restore a climate of security. For their part, Convergence Democratique, other opposition parties, and civil society must play a constructive and responsible role in moving forward under Resolution 822, and in fostering an environment that promotes political reconciliation for all Haitians.