18 February 2004
U.S. Continues Efforts to Help End Violence in Haiti
White House Report, Feb. 18: Haiti, Iraq
The United States is continuing to work very closely with countries in the Caribbean and the Organization of American States (OAS) to bring about a peaceful resolution to the violence in Haiti, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters February 18.
"We're working to end the violence and bring about a political dialogue that focuses on negotiation and compromise," he said, noting the recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) joint statement that called on Haiti "to make some changes in the way it's governed and to make some changes in the security situation in Haiti."
"And so we would call on (Haitian) President (Jean-Bertrand) Aristide to make sure he implements those essential steps to address those matters," McClellan said.
The United States, the press secretary added, is concerned about the humanitarian situation in Haiti and continues to work on efforts to make sure people have the aid that they need there. He noted that Secretary of State Colin Powell "has been in close contact with his counterparts in the region, and that's where things are now."
At the State Department, Spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters that the policy on Haiti "is to seek a peaceful and democratic and constitutional solution to the political crisis."
"It's important for all the parties, particularly the government, to meet their commitments to the Caribbean nations, to the CARICOM group, and to uphold their responsibilities under the constitution," he said. "(W)e're continuing to work carefully and diligently with members of the Caribbean community, with the Organization of American States, with the other friends of Haiti."
He noted that Secretary Powell spoke the morning of February 18 with French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin, and he said the two are "in agreement on the approach here."
Boucher added that there has been some talk from the Haitian government of wanting assistance from the international community in the area of security.
"That's not a new request," he said. "The response that we've had is the same that we've had before. It's appropriate, when and if President Aristide demonstrates through his actions that his government has the political will to support the rule of law. And so that's what we're looking at. And the way to get there is to implement the commitments that he has made and the other responsibilities he has under the constitution."
"We've also made clear the opposition has responsibilities, too, to take steps to quell the violence and to seek only a peaceful, negotiated, constitutional solution to Haiti's troubles," Boucher said.
U.S. AWAITS REPORT BY U.N. TEAM ON ELECTION OUTLOOK IN IRAQ
At his early morning briefing for reporters, McClellan was asked about reports that some members of the Iraq Governing Council no longer support proposed caucuses throughout Iraq to choose an interim legislative assembly before direct elections take place there.
He responded that "the Governing Council is continuing an ongoing dialogue with the Coalition Provisional Authority. We are continuing to work within the framework of the November 15th agreement. There are a variety of ideas being discussed by all parties."
McClellan noted that the United Nations had sent a team to Iraq to investigate the possibility for early elections. "They are working on their report and will make a recommendation to the U.N. We look forward to hearing that report and working further with the U.N." on Iraq, he said.
According to news reports, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan is due to receive a firsthand report at the United Nations on February 19 from Lakhdar Brahimi, the leader of the U.N. group Annan sent to Iraq.
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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