Interim Representative Fitzpatrick addressed a Special Meeting of the Permanent Council on the Situation in Haiti at OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C., January 14, 2015.
Madame Chair, the United States reiterates its firm commitment to Haitian President Michel Martelly and his persistent efforts to resolve the political impasse over delayed legislative elections. The United States notes with grave concern that despite President Martelly’s many concessions throughout 2014 and over the past weeks, Haiti’s parliament has not responded in a constructive manner.
As Foreign Minister Brutus reported, President Martelly has taken specific actions to build confidence in a compromise solution as outlined by the December 29 agreement among the three branches of Haiti’s government. He has named a new prime minister, consented to reformulate the electoral council, and accepted that the necessary elections law would include term extensions for most parliamentarians to permit them to serve their full mandates.
The United States will continue to work with Haiti’s democratically elected officials whose mandates remain current, in particular President Martelly and the ten sitting senators. Haiti’s Constitution provides guidance that the president shall ensure the regular operations of the public authorities and the continuity of the state. Essential government functions in Haiti must continue. The United States will support President Martelly as he carries out these duties until a new parliament is seated through elections. We expect President Martelly to prioritize elections in 2015. In the upcoming period, the United States encourages all Haitians and political actors to reject violence and abide by the rule of law.
Madame Chair, there has been significant progress in Haiti’s reconstruction and development since the 2010 earthquake five years ago this week. Haiti’s democratic development is equally important to its future success. The United States reaffirms its support for timely elections in Haiti and of the right of Haitians to go to the polls as soon as technically feasible to have a renewed voice in their government.
Thank you.
See Also: OAS Press Release
