14439: Karshan: President and Prime Minister address opening of 47th Legislature (AHP) (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: MKarshan@aol.com

AHP News- January 13, 2003- English translation (Unofficial)
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President Aristide invites the Haitian people to converge toward the
organization of the next elections
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Port-au-Prince, January 13, 2003 -(AHP)- President Jean Bertrand Aristide
invited Haitians Monday to opt for a convergence toward free, honest and
democratic elections in the country on the occasion of the opening of the
first ordinary session of the 47th Legislature for the year 2003.

The Chief of State presented a speech on the general situation of the
country in which he indicated that the elections will be organized in a
secure environment consistent with Resolution 822 of the Organization of
American States (OAS).

Mr. Aristide declared that these elections will be held during the first
semester of 2003 to elect two thirds of the Senate, the House of Deputies,
and the local governments.

Only elections can prevent the country from moving down the path of
violence, the president indicated, adding that in South Africa it was not
violence but rather the ballot boxes that tore down the walls of apartheid
and racial discrimination.

Mr. Aristide also invited Haitians to follow the path outlined by the
Constitution of 1987 to resolve the post-electoral crisis in order to
fortify democracy.

"As a free people, we choose the peaceful and democratic way, the one which
envisions a democratic contest for a changeover of political power between
parties to promote social justice, political stability and economic growth,"
he declared.

President Aristide advocated in favor of a more egalitarian and less racist
society.

He reiterated his appeal for understanding and tolerance in order, he said,
to unblock the country.

The Chief of State issued an appeal for dialogue to address contradictions,
slow down the dynamic of radicalization  and polarization, and to calm the
storms of violence that are capable of tearing apart the social fabric.

There were 55 Deputies and 16 Senators participating in this legislative
session in the presence of Ministers from the government and members of the
diplomatic corps.

AHP January 13, 2003 10:50 AM
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The Prime Minister presents his assessment of the achievements of his
government
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Port-au-Prince, January 13, 2003 -(AHP)- Prime Minister Yvon Neptune
presented his assessment Monday of the achievements of his government with
respect to the implementation of his policies.

In his speech delivered at the opening of the first ordinary session of the
47th Legislature, Yvon Neptune emphasized a series of measures adopted by
his government to control the country's economic situation.

According to Mr. Neptune, the rate of inflation was brought under control to
a level of about 8.2%. He also cited measures adopted by the General
Taxation Authority to increase tax receipts.
These measures enabled the government to increase revenue by 6%.

Mr. Neptune recognized, however, that the situation has not been easy for
the population during the past six months, and he mentioned efforts made by
the government to carry out social projects, most of which were financed by
the public treasury.

The prime minister justified the increase in the prices for fuel by citing
the fall in the value of the gourde and the increase in prices for
petroleum products on the international market.

He reaffirmed that the government can no longer continue to subsidize
gasoline.

Yvon Neptune gave his assurance, however, that his government is working to
adopt a set of support measures to help households deal with the present
situation.

The head of the government asked Haitians to make 2003 a year of solidarity
in memory of their ancestors.

In addition, Mr. Neptune deplored the fact that OAS Resolution 822 has not
been completely implemented with respect to the resolution of the crisis due
to the reticence of the opposition parties and one sector from civil
society.

He regretted that the opposition and civil society have not yet decided to
designate their representatives to the new Provisional Electoral Council.

For his part,  Jean Marie Fourel Célestin, President of the National
Assembly, asked the opposition parties to make sacrifices in order to help
the population find a way out of the economic morass.

Fourel Célestin indicated that each Haitian is concerned with the blockage
of international aid.

He asked members of the Fanmi Lavalas party to stay close to the ideology of
the political organization and to respect the ideas and opinions of members
of the opposition.

The President of the National Assembly also asked members of Fanmi Lavalas
to unite to continue the struggle to honor the popular vote.

He denounced plots orchestrated by some sectors in Haiti and abroad to
destabilize the country.

AHP January 13, 2003 11:00 AM
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