OAS Looking Forward to “Timely” Legislative, Local Elections in Haiti

Above: OAS SG Jose Miguel Insulza (OAS Photo/Patricia Leiva)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Organization of American States says it is looking forward “to the holding of timely legislative and local elections in Haiti,” according to a statement issued Wednesday.

The OAS issued the statement to express its “sincere appreciation” for the efforts of Mariano Fernandez, the Special Representative of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in Haiti and leader of the UN’s MINUSTAH peacekeeping mission in the country.

OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza, along with Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin, the chair of the Group of Friends of Haiti and the Haiti Task Force, praised what they called Fernandez’ “tireless efforts to support the government and people of Haiti.”

“Through his leadership, Ambassador Fernández has reflected international commitment to the stability, growth and full recovery of Haiti,” he said. “The OAS reiterates its support for MINUSTAH’s transition plan and the strengthening of Haitian authorities to continue to uphold sound democratic principles in the interest of the people of Haiti.”

Fernandez last week urged Haiti’s government to hold the aforementioned elections “as soon as possible.”