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
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
