Updated April 13, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
Statement from the United States Department of State dated April 12, 2024
Sent to AlterPresse
Unofficial translation
The United States welcomes today’s creation of a Presidential Transitional Council (TPC) in Haiti. The result of months of discussion among various Haitian stakeholders, this Council helps pave the way for free and fair elections and the accelerated deployment of a multinational security support mission. We commend Haitians for their commitment to moving forward in a spirit of reconciliation and national dialogue. We remain committed to working with CARICOM and international partners to support the TPC’s mission to work and improve the lives of all Haitians.
The security situation in Haiti remains untenable due to violence caused by gangs who claim to represent the Haitian people, but who thrive on violence and misery. Gangs have closed key infrastructure and economic sites that are lifelines for fuel, humanitarian aid and other vital supplies, and continue to strip Haitians of their rights to food, education and health care. The United States is working to support Haitian security forces to strengthen their capabilities as they fight to defend their country.
We commend Haitian leaders for making difficult compromises to move toward democratic governance through free and fair elections. There is much work to be done, and the United States remains committed to supporting the people of Haiti.
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Canada Welcomes the Publication of the Decree Creating the Presidential Transitional Council
Mélanie Joly, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs on her X account
Canada welcomes the publication of the decree which creates the Presidential Transitional Council in #Haiti. This national unity council is a step in the right direction to restore security, public order and democracy in Haiti.
Canada will continue to work with Haitian stakeholders, CARICOM and international partners to support the next steps towards the organization of free and fair elections in Haiti.
Canada will also continue to work with Haitian stakeholders, CARICOM and international partners to resolve the security crisis in Haiti, including through the Multinational Security Support Mission.
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Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcome
Declaration in English of the Caribbean Community dated April 12, 2024 – Unofficial translation
(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkey, Georgetown, Guyana) – Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcome the news today of the issuance of the Decree establishing the Presidential Transitional Council in Haiti. The creation of the nine-member, broad-based and politically inclusive Council signals the possibility of a new beginning for Haiti.
CARICOM has supported Haiti, its sister nation, through the difficult process of arriving at a Haitian-owned governance formula that will lead the troubled country through elections to the restoration of state institutions and constitutional government expired. Following the agreements reached in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 11, which brought together a diverse group of Haitian political, private sector, civil and faith-based stakeholders, the Presidential Transitional Council designed a framework defining the creation, organization and functioning of the Council, and reached a political agreement that articulates the way forward.
The heads of government of CARICOM fully approve the principles of the political agreement and take particular note of article 16 which states: “The mission of the Presidential Council is to put Haiti back on the path to dignity, democratic legitimacy , stability and sovereignty and to ensure the proper functioning of state institutions.
It is also clear that one of the first priorities of the newly installed Presidential Council will be to urgently address the security situation so that Haitians can lead their daily lives in a normal manner; safely access food, water and medical services; that children can return to school; that women can move without fear of horrific abuse; and so that businesses can reopen.
There are still daunting challenges ahead. CARICOM stands ready to continue to support the Haitian people and their leaders as they sovereignly determine their future throughout this period of transition on the path to long-term stability, security and sustainable development for Haiti.
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Kenya welcomes and awaits the rapid appointment of the Prime Minister and members of the new government
William Ruto, President of Kenya, on his X account
I welcome the official proclamation by decree establishing the Presidential Transitional Council (PTC) of the Republic of Haiti. This decision highlights the collective courage and singular sacrifice of the Haitian Council of Ministers to forge a violence-free Haiti and lay the foundations for a new democratic administration. We look forward to the WPK quickly appointing the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
I commend the leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for their tireless management of the intense consultations that led to the creation of a Presidential Transitional Council that reflects the diverse layers of Haitian society.
Kenya expresses confidence that the new political leadership will lay a solid foundation for resolving the crisis in Haiti, restoring security, providing the Haitian people with a political transition leading to peace and development durable.
Kenya reiterates its strong solidarity with Haiti and stands ready to contribute within the framework elaborated in the 2023 United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699.
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The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti is closely monitoring
Binuh on his X account
@BINUH_UN continues to closely follow the Haitian political process leading to the publication on April 12 of the Decree Creating the Presidential Transitional Council.
“We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the country’s institutions in their efforts to restore democratic institutions,” says the Representative of the Secretary General of @UN_fr in Haiti, @SALVADORMIsabel.
International support for the #Haiti National Police remains essential to restore security and the rule of law.
