8405: Lavalas spokesman deplores Convergence attitude to talks on CEP (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Max Blanchet <maxblanchet@worldnet.att.net>

Haiti: Lavalas spokesman deplores Convergence attitude to talks on CEP
BBC Monitoring Service - United Kingdom; Jun 21, 2001

Text of report by Haitian Metropole radio on 20 June

The Lavalas Family [FL] has deplored the lack of commitment on the part of
Convergence representatives. The ruling party calls to everyone's attention
the 25 June deadline that the OAS set for setting up an independent and
neutral CEP [Provisional Electoral Council]. Lavalas spokesman Jonas Petit
said that the continuation of the discussions depends on the Democratic
Convergence.

[Petit - recording] I was in the meeting to listen, to explore [words
indistinct] because we had thought that it would be necessary to express
ideas regarding the way the CEP should be set up. That was the reason why we
met. We went to find a method that would be as close as possible to the
Convergence's proposal. But instead we wasted more than 12 hours in
discussions and then heard them say that their mandate has expired. They
said they had to return to the Convergence board and that they would give us
an answer as soon as possible. That is the situation we are in.

[Unidentified journalist] But if nothing is done, are you going to form the
CEP without the presence of Convergence delegates?

[Petit] I believe that the democratic process gives everybody the right to
take part in setting up a structure, especially [words indistinct] political
organization and when it concerns the formation of a CEP. But it is not an
obligation, you know. We only hope that - [changes thought] we would
appreciate it if the Convergence would make a patriotic effort to take part
in that process to allow the country to get quickly to that solution as it
is everyone's hope. Unfortunately, we are in the situation that I explained
to you.

[Journalist] You are going to wait until when?

[Petit] Our deadline is the date that was imposed on Haiti by the entire
hemisphere, 33 countries from the region. You know, 25 June is in a few
days' time. I do not know what the executive will do but in the Lavalas
Family we have made proposals and we shall continue to do so. We hope that
the country will not suffer and that the Haitian state will be able to
honour its commitments regarding the resolution that was taken on Haiti.

Source: Radio Metropole, Port-au-Prince, in French 1145 gmt 20 Jun 01

/BBC Monitoring/ © BBC.