|
STATEMENT ON HAITI ISSUED BY
THE FIFTEENTH INTER-SESSIONAL MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF
GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY, 25-26 MAY 2004, BASSETERRE, ST.
KITTS AND NEVIS
Heads of Government meeting at the Fifteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of
the Conference in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, carefully considered
the developments in Haiti since their special Emergency Meeting in Jamaica
in March 2004. They also considered issues related to the representation
of Haiti within the Community and the modalities for engagement between
the Community and the Haitian nation.
Once again Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to the
fundamental principles underpinning governance and democracy in the Region
and the Hemisphere, in particular those enshrined in the CARICOM Charter
of Civil Society, the Summit of the Americas Declaration in Quebec City
and the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Heads of Government reiterated
that their commitment is to the rule of law, the democratic process and
the avoidance of any interruption of that process, as occurred in Haiti.
Heads of Government reiterated their call for an investigation under the
auspices of the United Nations. In the light of contradictory reports
still in circulation concerning the departure of President Aristide from
office, Heads of Government believed that it is in the compelling interest
of the international community that the preceding events and all the
circumstances surrounding the transfer of power from a constitutionally
elected Head of State, be fully investigated. In this regard, they placed
on record their appreciation for the support of the pursuit of this
investigative process expressed by members of the international community,
in particular the African Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific
(ACP) Committee of Ambassadors.
The Fifteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference expressed its
gratitude to the outgoing Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister the Most
Hon. P.J. Patterson, for the leadership displayed in guiding the positions
of the Community on the Haitian crisis and to the Government of Jamaica
for granting temporary accommodation to the Aristide family.
Heads of Government reaffirmed that Haiti remains a member of the
Caribbean Community and indeed a welcome partner in the regional
integration movement.
Heads of Government also reaffirmed their commitment to the people of
Haiti and to their social and economic well-being. The return to
constitutional and representative democracy and its essential elements of
respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms constitute key
objectives for the engagement of the Caribbean Community with Haiti.
Heads of Government emphasised the importance of holding free and fair
elections to ensure a return to constitutional democracy in an acceptable
time-frame. A critical aspect of such a process must permit the conduct of
normal political activities. They expressed their deep concern over the
continuing instability, insecurity, violence and violation of human rights
in Haiti.
Heads of Government reiterated their view that there had been an
interruption of the democratic process in Haiti. They recalled that in
their statement of 3 March 2004, they had expressed the view that “no
action should be taken to legitimize the rebel forces”. They also noted
the public declarations of the head of the interim administration in
Haiti, Mr. Gerard Latortue, regarding the “freezing of relations with
Jamaica”, and the “putting to sleep of relations with CARICOM”.
These developments had not made it possible to receive the interim
administration in the Councils of the Community, so as to be afforded
audience with other Heads of Government on its participation in CARICOM.
In light of the letter dated 25 March 2004 received from Mr. Latortue
towards the end of their deliberations, Heads of Government agreed to
review the matter at their very next Meeting in July 2004.
In the interim, Heads of Government decided to:
(i) reconstitute the Core Group of CARICOM
Prime Ministers on Haiti under the leadership of the new Chairman of
CARICOM, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Baldwin
Spencer;
(ii) designate a Special Envoy as an adjunct to the
Core Group to advance CARICOM’s interests on issues related to Haiti;
to facilitate the interface of the Caribbean Community with the Interim
Administration of Haiti and with the international community; and to
coordinate the Community’s relationship with the UN, the OAS and other
partners on the issue of Haiti and of its rehabilitation; and
(iii) accept the proposals of the CARICOM
Secretary-General concerning the establishment of a Task Force to
co-ordinate CARICOM’s assistance to Haiti in those areas where it has
the capacity. The Special Envoy will work closely with the CARICOM Task
Force.
Heads of Government held an exchange of views with the Special Advisor
to the UN Secretary-General.
Heads of Government emphasised the critical importance of transparency and
the fullest engagement in free, fair and open dialogue and communication
in the interface between the Community’s partners in the international
community and itself in order to avoid misunderstandings and
misperceptions.
Heads of Government appealed to the International Community to provide
support and assistance for humanitarian relief, Haiti’s development and
the rehabilitation of its institutions.
|
