13735: Arthur sends OAS press releae: Haiti at critical juncture (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Tttnhm@aol.com

Organization of American States
www.oas.org
Press Release                                       (E-228-02)
November 20, 2002

HAITI AT CRITICAL JUNCTURE

Assistant Secretary General Luigi Einaudi reported to the OAS Permanent
Council that the Government of Haiti and the OAS Special Mission had agreed
on 15 November, 2002 on formal terms of reference covering technical
assistance from the OAS in the areas of elections, elections security,
disarmament and the professionalization of the Haitian National Police.

These agreements were cited by five key nongovernmental institutions on 19
November in presenting names to President Aristide for the formation of the
Provisional Electoral Council (CEP).   The prompt formation of the Council is
now critical.

The Assistant Secretary General praised the orderly nature of public
demonstrations held with appropriate police protection in various Haitian
cities in recent days.  At the same time, he noted, with many aspects of
resolutions 806 and 822 still incomplete, and in the current state of
fragmentation and weakening of Haitian society, opportunities to solve
Haiti's problems peacefully and democratically are rapidly waning.

He called for action from all concerned. He appealed to the Haitian
community, both within Haiti and in the diaspora, to find space to work with
each other despite continuing differences.  He called on the international
community to work urgently to enable multilateral economic assistance to flow
to Haiti.

The Assistant Secretary General stated  that "the only way forward is for all
sectors to work seriously to ensure that the problems of distrust and lack of
resources are overcome in order to create democratic space for all."


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