18023: (Arthur) EU convinced of need for dialogue and against violence by all involved (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Tttnhm@aol.com

Declaration by the (Irish) Presidency on behalf of the European Union
concerning the political situation in Haiti

Date: 15 January 2004

The European Union is very concerned at current developments in the social
and political situation in Haiti, along with the marked deterioration in the
general security situation in that country. It deplores the fact that the Haitian
Government has been unable to prevent the incidents which have resulted in
serious human rights violations in various towns in recent weeks. It cannot
remain indifferent to the reprisals which have been carried out or announced
against members of civil society, the opposition, the universities and the press.

In particular, the European Union condemns the violence committed by armed
gangs against peaceful demonstrators.  It urges the authorities to guarantee all
Haitians the right to express themselves freely and to demonstrate
peacefully, as laid down in Haiti's constitution.  It again invites the Haitian
authorities to take the necessary measures to promote the re-establishment of a
climate of civil peace.

Indeed, the European Union is convinced that a solution to the current
political crisis must be achieved by dialogue and calls on all those involved in
politics, without exception, to refrain from any form of violence.

In the situation of polarisation that currently prevails and which impedes
any resolution of the political and institutional crisis, the European Union
earnestly appeals to all parties to renew political dialogue immediately, either
directly or by accepting the mediation of the local churches or any other
helpful and credible form of mediation.

At a time when Haiti no longer has a Legislative Assembly, such dialogue
alone can restore civil peace, encourage the reestablishment of rights and
freedoms and help reinstate the climate of security needed to organise free elections
in compliance with the provisions set out in Resolutions 806 and 822, as well
as Resolution 1959 of the General Assembly of the OAS adopted on 10 June 2003
in Santiago, Chile.

The European Union recalls that implementation of these resolutions would
pave the way for gradual resumption of the aid partially suspended pursuant to
Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement.