Summary: February 26, 2004: Statement to the Security Council of the United Nations by H.E. Ambassador Richard Ryan, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations on behalf of the European Union: The question concerning Haiti (New York)
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic, and Slovenia; the Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey; the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Serbia and Montenegro; and the EFTA countries Iceland and Liechtenstein, members of the
European Economic Area align themselves with this statement.
Mr. President,
The European Union welcomes this initiative by the Security Council to address the situation in Haiti at this critical time. The European Union also welcomes the decision by the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Adviser on Haiti.
Mr. President,
The European Union is gravely concerned at the worsening situation in Haiti. Our concern has increased with each troubling report on the marked deterioration in the security situation, the continuing loss of life, the abuse of human rights, the serious violations of democratic rules, the reduction in access for humanitarian workers, and the hindering of the provision of assistance to the affected civilian population.
The European Union reminds all concerned of their duty to respect the Haitian Constitution and adhere to international law, including international humanitarian, human rights, and refugee law. We call on all parties to facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid and to respect humanitarian personnel, establishments, vehicles and medical facilities.
Mr. President,
The present crisis in Haiti must be resolved peacefully, through constitutional means and a process of political dialogue and compromise. The European Union has given clear support to the efforts of the Organisation of American States (OAS) to facilitate a resolution of the political impasse in Haiti. We have also strongly supported the recent initiative by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The European Union deeply regrets that the opposition in Haiti has so far declined to accept the Plan of
Action presented to the Government and opposition in Haiti on Saturday, 21 February. The European Union remains convinced that the principles of that plan offer an important opportunity to restore confidence and to facilitate dialogue. All parties bear heavy responsibilities in the current circumstances, and need to act accordingly.
Mr. President,
The European Union stands ready-together with other concerned States and regional organisations-to accelerate the search for a peaceful, democratic and constitutional outcome. In this regard, the European Union particularly welcomes the urgent initiative by the Government of France to invite representatives of the Haitian Government, the opposition and civil society to talks in Paris tomorrow.
While we await the outcome of these discussions, the European Union calls on all parties to refrain from any action which would further imperil the welfare of the Haitian people.
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