CP/RES. 855 (1394/03)

BICENTENNIAL OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF HAITI

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,

NOTING that January 1, 2004, will mark the bicentennial of the independence of the Republic of Haiti and that the Haitian people should be congratulated on the victorious end to the war against slavery and colonialism, waged with courage, determination, and gallantry;

RECOGNIZING that Haiti, the world’s first sovereign black republic, made a valuable contribution to the liberation of peoples of the Hemisphere, through example and direct support, thus playing an important role in the shaping and unfolding of the Hemisphere;

CONVINCED that the Haitian revolution contributed the world over to the struggle for respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and

NOTING the vicissitudes that have affected the history of the Haitian people and its relentless efforts to build a stable democracy, and taking into account the support provided to it by the Organization of American States in this regard,

RESOLVES:

1.     To express its congratulations to the people and Government of Haiti on the occasion of the celebration of the bicentennial of the independence of that country.

2.     To welcome Haiti’s seminal contribution to the liberation of the peoples of the Americas.

3.     To express its hope that the people of Haiti will succeed in forging a lasting democracy and in reinvigorating its socioeconomic development commensurate with its past achievements.