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HIGH LEVEL INTER-AMERICAN MISSION TO HAITI A SUCCESS

A high-level inter-American mission comprised of 8 OAS member States as well as the IDB, PAHO, IICA and PADF, successfully concluded a working visit to Haiti on Sunday, September 6. When asked about the objectives of the three-day mission, OAS Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Albert Ramdin said “this was an opportunity to look at the positive side of Haiti; showcase the achievements of the inter-American agencies; and highlight the success stories that characterize the cooperation among these agencies individually and collectively.”

The Mission held talks with Haitian President, René Préval who shared the short and long-term priorities of Haiti, including judicial and constitutional reform, the fight against drug trafficking, as well as infrastructural development including agriculture and aquaculture.

Consultations with the President of the Senate, Dr. Kely Bastien provided further information on the critical need for constitutional reform and the draft proposal that would be presented to Parliament for consideration.

The High-level Mission met senior officials of Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and exchanged views on preparations for the elections that are constitutionally due by the end of 2009. Ambassador Ramdin reassured the CEP of the continued support of the OAS for the preparation and holding of free and fair elections.

Private sector and civil society representatives shared their concerns about job creation and ongoing social challenges, but also voiced their support for port development in Labadie, the increased emphasis on attracting investment, including small and medium-size enterprises and for taking full advantage of the Hope II bill passed by the US Congress to facilitate textile related imports from Haiti.

The Assistant Secretary General remarked: “We welcome the relatively sustained period of political stability and the improved security environment in Haiti. At the same time we hope that this unique climate can be used to create jobs, generate income and support democratic consolidation.” Members of the mission had an opportunity to visit successful projects, many of which are financed or executed by donor countries and agencies in the mission. These include a free obstetric care program, a poultry farm, the civil registry project, as well as an airport and road construction project.

Journalists accompanying the mission saw first hand and reported on these developments and the real life examples of inter-American cooperation at work.

On concluding the mission, Ambassador Ramdin stressed that “this type of engagement reinforces the commitment of the Inter-American system to support Haiti and allows donor countries and agencies to appropriately align their programs and resources with the priorities and needs expressed by the Haitians themselves.” Assistant Secretary General Ramdin announced that Mexico will co-host with the OAS and Haiti a meeting of aid and cooperation agencies in early November to discuss coordination mechanisms.

Reference: E-284/09