17630: Lemieux: UN News Centre: Annan urges end to political impasse (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: JD Lemieux <lxhaiti@yahoo.com>

Hailing Haiti's bicentennial, Annan urges end to political
impasse

1 January 2004– As Haiti today celebrated 200 years of
independence, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
lauded the milestone and urged the country to break through
its present political deadlock to achieve development.


Mr. Annan congratulated all Haitians, calling the
proclamation of the independent Republic of Haiti on 1
January 1804 the "beginning of the end of slavery in the
Americas," a spokesman for Mr. Annan said in a statement.


Today's bicentennial marks "an anniversary of deep
significance to all mankind," he said, adding that it also
serves as an "ideal" start to the UN International Year to
Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition.


The Secretary-General voiced hope that Haitians, while
recalling the spirit of their forefathers, would find a way
to overcome the current political impasse in their country.


"There is a need to build a consensus that allows the goals
of good governance, respect for human rights, economic and
social recovery, and human and environmental regeneration
to be more vigorously pursued," the spokesman said,
pledging the UN's full support in the drive to build a
better future for all Haitians.


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