7168: Civil Society on Resumption of Negotiations (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Max Blanchet <maxblanchet@worldnet.att.net>

FROM CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL POLICY

Civil Society Initiative
Press Release #5

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The Facilitation Commission of the Civil Society Initiative informs the
public
that during the week of February 19, 2001 it held informal meetings with the
representatives of the Lavalas party and the Democratic Convergence. The
meetings focused on the ways and means of restarting the negotiations.

The results were positive and there are possibilities of moving beyond the
issues of the first round of negotiations held at the papal nuncio's
residence
and the El Rancho hotel.

The Facilitation Commission notes that, as agreed with the two parties, it
will not extend its good offices except in negotiations bringing together
all
the actors in the crisis. Also, it considers the question of formation of a
new
electoral commission and a government with opposition participation to be
subordinate to the resolution of the electoral crisis and reaching a
political
agreement.

Port-au-Prince, February 24, 2001

Signed,

Edouard Paultre