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Date
: 04/03/2004
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs
Title: N Dlamini Zuma: Statement on situation in Haiti
MINISTER DLAMINI ZUMA'S STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN HAITI, 4
March 2004
The South African Government has taken note of the Caribbean
Community (Caricom) Heads of Government statement following their
meeting in Kingston Jamaica on 2 to 3 March 2004 where the current
developments in Haiti were discussed.
The South African Government has always maintained that the
political and economic challenges facing Haiti can only be resolved
by Haitians themselves acting with the support of Caricom.
Consequently, South Africa's approach to the developments in Haiti
has always been guided by the views and programmes of Caricom and
the African Union (AU).
Accordingly, the South African Government joins Caricom leaders in
expressing deep concern regarding developments and circumstances
that led to the departure of a democratically elected President,
Jean Bertrand Aristide from office.
The suggestion that President Aristide may have been forced out of
office, if true, will have serious consequences and ramifications
for the respect of the rule of law and democracy the world over.
The international community must not be seen to be wavering in its
commitment to democracy and the respect for the rule of law,
particularly in the face of anti-democratic forces. In this regard,
we join in the call for an investigation under the auspices of the
United Nations (UN) to clarify these circumstances leading to the
departure of President Aristide.
The slow response of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to pleas for
assistance by the Government of Haiti, however, remains a matter of
serious concern. The UNSC should remain true to its mandate of
being an organ for the collective security for all and therefore
respond timeously to conflict situations with a view to the
restoration of peace and stability. In this context, South Africa
will support efforts by Caricom to assist the people of Haiti to
return to constitutional democracy, rebuild democratic institutions
and restore peace and stability.
Critical to the restoration of democracy, peace and stability in
Haiti remains the need for a long term commitment by the
international community acting in conjunction with Caricom to
implement a sustainable social and economic development plan to
push back the frontiers of poverty and under-development currently
gripping Haitians.
South Africa stands ready to support all efforts by Caricom to help
bring stability, peace and security to Haiti.
Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
4 March 2004
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