Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-01-15-Speech-4-142"
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"en.20040115.8.4-142"2
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".
Mr President, the European Commission shares the concern about the political, economic and social situation in Haiti and particularly at the absence of an agreement which would allow a solution to the political crisis in the country.
We encourage all parties in Haiti to respect Resolution 822 of the Organisation of American States and to work towards a rapid political agreement. This is necessary to allow free and fair elections to take place in the near future in a climate of security and mutual respect.
A key element in the resolution of the crisis is the formation of a credible electoral council. Despite the announcement of elections, this key element is still not in place.
The Commission recalls that for the last three years Haiti has been subject to appropriate measures adopted under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement. Last December the Council decided to extend the measures for a further year. Under these measures, some Community aid to Haiti is suspended. However, the Community still provides considerable support of direct benefit to the Haitian population. Actions to strengthen civil society and the private sector, to support democratisation and strengthen the rule of law, to fight poverty and to give humanitarian and emergency assistance are being pursued. The European Union intends to remain present in Haiti and to promote a solution to the political crisis.
Respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law constitute essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement. Such elements are not in place in Haiti. Normalisation of the EU's relations with Haiti depends on the fulfilment by the government of the conditions of the OAS resolution. In a letter sent by the Commission and the Council at the beginning of January 2004 to the government of Haiti informing it of the extension of appropriate measures, the Union urges the government rapidly to translate its commitment to comply with the requirements of OAS Resolution 822 into concrete actions, which would lead to free and fair national and local elections. The Commission is ready to provide support for elections in Haiti if they take place in accordance with the resolution.
Over the past few years, ECHO has responded to natural disasters mainly flooding by funding relief operations. In addition, Haiti has been a priority in ECHO's programmes, which support activities to improve vulnerable populations' preparedness for disaster. Current funding for such projects in Haiti amounts to more than EUR 1 million. The Commission's growing concern with the deteriorating situation in the country is reflected in the fact that Haiti is listed as one of the forgotten crises in ECHO's 2004 strategy.
Parliament may be assured that the Commission is actively promoting a solution to the political crisis in Haiti and is using the means at its disposal to respond to the urgent needs of the Haitian population."@en1
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