Staying The Course In Haiti And Consolidate Gains

Caribbean countries call on UN to stay the course in Haiti and consolidate gains

Commending the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), the Bahamian Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today that the peacekeeping operation must stay on to help the troubled Caribbean country consolidate its recent gains.

Brent Symmonette, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said MINUSTAH was playing a vital role in assisting Haiti "on a firm and lasting path to sustainable development, peace, security and democracy."

He backed calls to extend the mandate of MINUSTAH, which has been in place since June 2004 and has more than 7,000 troops and 1,700 police officers deployed across the nation.

Mr. Symmonette also praised the administration of President René Préval for its efforts to stabilize the country, which has long been beset by poverty and violence, and the Organization of American States (OAS) for its support.

The Foreign Minister noted that Haiti's continuing struggles are affecting its neighbours in the region as thousands of Haitians leave their country in search of a better life.

"Ensuring that justice and democracy prevail in Haiti, therefore, redounds positively not only for the people of Haiti but also for the Bahamas and indeed for the entire region."

Dominica's Foreign Minister Charles Savarin echoed those remarks, calling on the UN to "go beyond the current engagement in Haiti through MINUSTAH to a longer-term engagement that will bring sustainable economic stability and development to Haiti."

Mr. Savarin stressed the importance of staying the course and not viewing "these interventions as the emergency response of an international fire brigade quickly extinguishing political conflagrations and only remaining long enough to dampen the embers of renewed conflict."

He added that "Haiti's problems stem from underdevelopment and extensive periods of dictatorship. It is in democracy and development therefore that the solutions for Haiti lie."

Mr. Savarin said a stable and prosperous Haiti would "significantly strengthen" the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and deepen progress towards a single market and economy in the Caribbean region.

ENDS

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