Media Center

Press Release


OAS Employees Released in Haiti

  December 31, 2005

The Organization of American States is pleased to announce the release of two of its employees and a spouse kidnapped in Haiti on the afternoon of Thursday December 29. The two technicians from the OAS Electoral Support Program were en route to an electoral facility when the incident occurred.

The couple was released on Friday at around 6:15 p.m., and the third victim, earlier this afternoon. All were well treated and came to no bodily harm.

The Secretary General of the OAS, His Excellency José Miguel Insulza, has expressed his satisfaction in the wake of the peaceful conclusion of the hostage incident. He applauds the tactful negotiations carried out by the OAS Special Mission team in Haiti in coordination with Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin. Mr. Insulza, at the same time, joins his Special Representative in Haiti, Ambassador Denneth Modeste, in thanking the representatives of the international community as well as the Haitian authorities and people for the numerous expressions of sympathy and support received.

The OAS strongly condemns these acts of violence against innocent persons, who, moreover, are working in support of elections that will provide the opportunity for Haitian society to forge a new beginning and tackle the serious social, economic and security issues facing the country. The OAS reiterates its full support for the elections and will continue to do its part in assisting the electoral authorities in conducting a free, fair and credible process.

Reference: E-300/05