21787: (Hermantin)Sun-sentinel-A Step Toward Brighter Future (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

A Step Toward Brighter Future

South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board
Posted May 8 2004

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Six months is a short time, but efforts to stabilize Haiti have to start
somewhere.

That's why it's a good sign that the United Nations Security Council is
sending a mission to the unsettled and troubled Caribbean nation. The U.N.
contingent will include more than 8,000 troops and police officers, plus
political and human rights experts.

The force arrives June 1 for a six-month tour, but the U.N. is expected to
renew the mandate and make a longer commitment. The U.N. delegation will
replace 3,600 U.S.-led multinational troops who have been in Haiti since an
uprising sent former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide into exile in
February.

Unfortunately, the U.N. decision preceded another setback. The Caribbean
Community wants the Organization of American States to investigate the
events surrounding Aristide's ouster.

Caricom is right to see the rebellion as a defeat for Haitian and Caribbean
democracy. The organization is within its rights to seek the OAS probe.

But to a large measure, it was Aristide's fault he failed, not the United
States'. It's time to move forward and address the challenges posed in
Haiti.

Since the revolt, Haiti has retreated from the front pages but it's still a
volatile place.

An interim government is struggling to restore any semblance of normalcy.
The streets in the capital and throughout the country remain in the hands of
militias, rebels and thugs. Disarming the country is a top priority, but no
easy chore.

Neither will it be easy to plan elections, which are necessary to create a
government with legitimacy inside and outside Haiti. Other institutions,
police forces and a fair court system, must follow.

Once a functioning government and civil institutions are in place, the
really hard work begins. The country and its 8 million people desperately
need a growing economy and a plan to deal with centuries of ecological
abuse.

Turning fortunes around in Haiti is a monumental task. It will take a
long-term commitment from the U.N., the United States and Caricom.

Each must set aside past disagreements in order to be effective partners.
Hopefully, the U.N. commitment will persuade Caricom to recognize the
interim government and join efforts in Haiti.

More than anything, however, Haiti's future depends on its own people. They
must work together to resolve disputes and commit themselves to a
development strategy. If they don't, international good will won't make a
difference.

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