STATEMENT ON HAITI ISSUED BY THE FIFTEENTH INTER-SESSIONAL MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY, 25-26 MARCH 2004, BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

Heads of Government meeting at the Fifteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, carefully considered the developments in Haiti since their special Emergency Meeting in Jamaica in March 2004. They also considered issues related to the representation of Haiti within the Community and the modalities for engagement between the Community and the Haitian nation.

Once again Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to the fundamental principles underpinning governance and democracy in the Region and the Hemisphere, in particular those enshrined in the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society, the Summit of the Americas Declaration in Quebec City and the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Heads of Government reiterated that their commitment is to the rule of law, the democratic process and the avoidance of any interruption of that process, as occurred in Haiti.

Heads of Government reiterated their call for an investigation under the auspices of the United Nations. In the light of contradictory reports still in circulation concerning the departure of President Aristide from office, Heads of Government believed that it is in the compelling interest of the international community that the preceding events and all the circumstances surrounding the transfer of power from a constitutionally elected Head of State, be fully investigated. In this regard, they placed on record their appreciation for the support of the pursuit of this investigative process expressed by members of the international community, in particular the African Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Committee of Ambassadors.

The Fifteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference expressed its gratitude to the outgoing Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, for the leadership displayed in guiding the positions of the Community on the Haitian crisis and to the Government of Jamaica for granting temporary accommodation to the Aristide family.

Heads of Government reaffirmed that Haiti remains a member of the Caribbean Community and indeed a welcome partner in the regional integration movement.

Heads of Government also reaffirmed their commitment to the people of Haiti and to their social and economic well-being. The return to constitutional and representative democracy and its essential elements of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms constitute key objectives for the engagement of the Caribbean Community with Haiti.

Heads of Government emphasised the importance of holding free and fair elections to ensure a return to constitutional democracy in an acceptable time-frame. A critical aspect of such a process must permit the conduct of normal political activities. They expressed their deep concern over the continuing instability, insecurity, violence and violation of human rights in Haiti.

Heads of Government reiterated their view that there had been an interruption of the democratic process in Haiti. They recalled that in their statement of 3 March 2004, they had expressed the view that “no action should be taken to legitimize the rebel forces”. They also noted the public declarations of the head of the interim administration in Haiti, Mr. Gerard Latortue, regarding the “freezing of relations with Jamaica”, and the “putting to sleep of relations with CARICOM”. These developments had not made it possible to receive the interim administration in the Councils of the Community, so as to be afforded audience with other Heads of Government on its participation in CARICOM.

In light of the letter dated 25 March 2004 received from Mr. Latortue towards the end of their deliberations, Heads of Government agreed to review the matter at their very next Meeting in July 2004.

In the interim, Heads of Government decided to:

(i) reconstitute the Core Group of CARICOM Prime Ministers on Haiti under the leadership of the new Chairman of CARICOM, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Baldwin Spencer; (ii) designate a Special Envoy as an adjunct to the Core Group to advance CARICOM’s interests on issues related to Haiti; to facilitate the interface of the Caribbean Community with the international community; and to coordinate the Community’s relationship with the UN, the OAS and other partners on the issue of Haiti and of its rehabilitation; and (iii) accept the proposals of the CARICOM Secretary-General concerning the establishment of a Task Force to co-ordinate CARICOM’s assistance to Haiti in those areas where it has the capacity. The Special Envoy will work closely with the CARICOM Task Force.

Heads of Government held an exchange of views with the Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General.

Heads of Government emphasised the critical importance of transparency and the fullest engagement in free, fair and open dialogue and communication in the interface between the Community’s partners in the international community and itself in order to avoid misunderstandings and misperceptions.

Heads of Government appealed to the International Community to provide support and assistance for humanitarian relief, Haiti’s development and the rehabilitation of its institutions.