19800: Esser: Caricom Statement (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: D. Esser torx@joimail.com

CARICOM

Press release 22/2004
(3 March 2004)

STATEMENT ISSUED BY CARICOM HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AT THE CONCLUSION OF
AN EMERGENCY SESSION ON THE SITUATION IN HAITI, 2-3 MARCH 2004,
KINGSTON, JAMAICA

CARICOM Heads of Government met on 2 and 3 March 2004 in Kingston,
Jamaica, in an emergency session to consider the situation in Haiti.

The Heads of Government expressed dismay and alarm over the events
leading to the departure from office by President Aristide and the
ongoing political upheaval and violence in Haiti. They called for the
immediate return to democratic rule and respect for the Constitution
of Haiti.

The Heads of Government recalled that the CARICOM Prior Action Plan
had been developed with the full involvement of the United States,
Canada, the OAS and the European Union and fully endorsed by the
international community. This initiative was guided by the need to
preserve the rule of law and predicated on the precepts of shared
government, binding both President Aristide and the legitimate
opposition to specific commitments, which would lead to a peaceful
resolution of the political impasse respectful of the constitution,
and promoting the democratic process.

Heads of Government were disappointed by the reluctance of the
Security Council to take immediate action in response to appeals for
assistance by the Government of Haiti.

On Sunday 29 February 2004, the Security Council adopted Resolution
1529 endorsing the deployment of a Multinational Interim Force to
Haiti. This was what CARICOM had sought in the first place, but the
decision was taken in circumstances quite different to those
conceived in the CARICOM Plan since it followed immediately the
departure from office of President Aristide.

They expressed the view that the circumstances under which the
President demitted office set a dangerous precedent for
democratically elected governments everywhere as it promotes the
unconstitutional removal of duly elected persons from office.

Reaffirming the fundamental tenets of governance within the Caribbean
Community based on the Charter of Civil Society, as well as the
principles enshrined in the Quebec Declaration and the Inter-American
Democratic Charter, Heads of Government stressed that these
obligations must be used to determine the democratic nature of
governance in Haiti. In this regard, no action should be taken to
legitimize the rebel forces nor should they be included in any
interim government. The Heads of Government also agreed that the
issue of relations with the interim administration would be the
subject of urgent review at the upcoming Inter-Sessional Meeting of
the Conference.

Heads of Government were deeply perturbed at the contradictory
reports surrounding the demission from office of the constitutionally
elected President. These concerns were heightened by public
assertions made by President Aristide that he had not demitted office
voluntarily. Heads of Government called for an investigation under
the auspices of the United Nations to clarify the circumstances
leading to his relinquishing the Presidency.

When CARICOM agreed to admit Haiti as a member of the Community, it
was based on its determination to end years of isolation and bring
Haiti into the Caribbean family to which it belongs by geography,
history and common ancestry. Heads of Government reiterated their
commitment to the people of Haiti and their intention to remain
constructively engaged in the efforts to create the conditions
considered necessary for their long-term safety, well-being and
progress.

That commitment was most recently demonstrated in the initiative the
Caribbean Community launched in January this year, with international
support, to help resolve the long-standing impasse, which has
polarized the country.

In this regard, they stressed that the Community would continue to
support the political, economic and social development of its Member
State. Accordingly, Heads of Government mandated the CARICOM
Secretary-General to establish a Task Force to coordinate CARICOM’s
assistance to Haiti in those areas where it has the capacity. In
keeping with the UN Resolution 1529, Heads of Government agreed to
participate in the follow-on UN stabilisation force, in efforts to
provide humanitarian assistance, the rebuilding of the economy and
civil society, and the reconstitution of the democratic structures,
processes and institutions of the country. In the prevailing
circumstances, Heads of Government do not envisage their
participation in the Multinational Interim Force authorized by the UN
Security Council.

Heads of Government reiterated the importance of a return to
constitutional democracy and expressed the wish to see the quick
restoration of peace and stability in Haiti and the earliest return
to constitutional democracy by working with the people of Haiti in a
sustained effort to rebuild democratic institutions. They underlined
that any approach to returning Haiti to a state of normalcy must
include an economic and social development plan.

Heads of Government welcomed the appointment of a Special Advisor to
the United Nations Secretary-General and committed themselves to
working closely with him in these efforts. They stressed that
creating the conditions for political stability, economic development
and the institutional reconstruction of Haiti would require a
long-term commitment on the part of the international community,
including the International Financial Institutions.

Heads of Government continue to be concerned about the security
situation in Haiti. They affirmed that the disarmament of illegally
armed groups must be an urgent priority. There are continuing reports
that the situation in Port-au-Prince is chaotic and, notwithstanding
the presence of international military forces, respect for law and
order is not in evidence. They deplored the loss of life, the
destruction of private property and politically motivated attacks,
including threats against members of the Government. They therefore
called on the international forces to bring a stop to the lawlessness
and reminded them of their legal obligation to do so.

Heads of Government deplored the present turmoil in Haiti leading to
an outflow of Haitians, a situation which is placing strains on the
resources of neighbouring states.

Heads of Government agreed to keep the evolving political situation
under review with a view to determining further action in the
interest of the Haitian people.

Kingston, Jamaica
3 March 2004
.