UNITED NATIONS, CMC- The United States has welcomed the announcement of a Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) in Haiti as the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country continues to deal with a political and socio-economic crisis hampering its development.
“This inclusive, broad-based CPT brings together most of the major political parties in Haiti, as well as key stakeholders from the private sector, religious communities, and civil society,” said American Ambassador Robert Wood, Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs to the UN.
On Monday, he told the UN Security Council that establishing the CPT “is a positive step towards resolving Haiti’s political and security crisis, laying the groundwork for free and fair elections, and deploying the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.
” Much work lies ahead. Still, this announcement is a much-needed glimmer of hope for the Haitian people, who continue to suffer from indiscriminate violence and horrific human rights abuses,” he said, noting that ‘today, power-hungry gangs continue to attack civilians, police units, and critical infrastructure.”
Media reports in Port of Au Prince on Tuesday said that the CPT members are likely to decide on the date and place of their installation later today.
The reports quoted sources as saying the installation could occur on Wednesday at the National Palace.
Wood told the Security Council that gangs’ control of key transport routes and economic activity has restricted freedom of movement while increasing the difficulty, cost, and risk involved in obtaining necessary goods and services.
” As a result, a growing number of Haitians face food insecurity. The people of Haiti need humanitarian assistance. They need the violence to abate. And they need a more stable political situation, with a clear return to a democratic path.”
He said that deploying the Kenya-led MSS will help achieve these goals. The mission seeks to build capacity and provide operational support to the Haitian National Police, allowing them to counter gangs and improve security conditions.
” It will help prevent, mitigate, and address human rights abuses while engaging with Haitian civil society and communities to build trust. It will operate with accountability and oversight, including measures to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse, and meaningfully include women-led and civil society organizations.
” In other words, it will help stabilize security and humanitarian conditions while the TPC works to pave the way for free and fair elections. But for the MSS mission to succeed, it needs your financial and in-kind support.”
The American diplomat said, “As we look towards the future, let us all commit to rallying international assistance for this effort and supporting partners like CARICOM as they work to improve the situation.
” Let us support the renewal of the BINUH mandate as a sign of support and solidarity with the Haitian people. Let us work to address the crisis facing Haiti today and tackle its root causes, encouraging wider participation and engagement.
” Together, we can help efforts like the MSS succeed and set the country back on the path to stability and democracy. The people of Haiti deserve nothing less,” Wood said.
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