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#234: Statement of U.S. Ambassador to Haiti
From: Max Blanchet <MaxBlanchet@worldnet.att.net>
>From the US Embassy Web Site
U.S. Information Service
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
July 4, 1999
Statement of U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Timothy Carney,
on the occasion of the Fourth of July
Welcome to the Fourth of July. This is the second time that Vicki and I
have the pleasure of spending the anniversary of American Independence
in Haiti. Normally, the Haitian people are our hosts. Today, however, we
have the honor of being your hosts.
I have the privilege of being the current representative to Haiti in a
long line dating back to the year 1862. Through 137 years of diplomatic
relations between Haiti and the United States, our two countries have
developed a complex relationship, one that has known both ups and downs.
We have today many interests in common -- demoracy, economic
development, insuring the rule of law -- not just in Haiti, but
throughout the world.
We are all, both Haitians and Americans, delighted by recent progress
toward elections. I congratulate the Provisional Electoral Council for
the electoral law they have drafted, a proposal which responds above all
to the reality of Haitian politics. I salute you for your courage. But
now, as the President of the Council told me several days ago, it is
high time to "step on the accelerator."
We all know the elections will effectively determine the next 10 years
of Haiti's future. All Haitians must commit themselves to making these
elections a success. That means speaking out against and sanctioning
those who use violence and intimidation, recognizing that political
opponents are part of a necessary national process, insisting that
political parties clearly explain their programs, and then holding them,
one elected, to the promises they made.
These elections will also define Haiti's relations with the United
States. The United States will be there to supply gas, as the motor
responds to the accelerator. I am talking about significant financial
and technical assistance, within the constraints established by American
law.
We all look forward to working together over the next year and to being
in a position to congratulate ourselves on the 4th of July 2000 for the
success of our efforts.