Statement by representative of the Russian Federation Alexander Repkin at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti
Mr. President,
At the outset, let me join those who already welcomed participation of Foreign Minister of Peru in this meeting. May we wish to H.E. Mr. G.Meza-Cuadra every success in his new high office.
We are thankful to Under-Secretary-General J-P.Lacroix for his presentation of the final report about the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. This report marks an important moment – termination of 15-year-long UN presence in the country under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
Throughout all these years Blue Helmets and Blue Berets, as well as civil personnel of the two peacekeeping missions of the United Nations have assisted Haitians in solving most acute problems. From tomorrow on, the people, political leadership, and law enforcement bodies of Haiti, will gain greater independence from international assistance and will adopt full responsibility for the fate of the country and security of its people.
At the same time, the State and the society are on the threshold of a vital stage of development – and this stage does not seem to be easier than any previous one. Recognition of national responsibility inevitably increases social activity and drives the society at expressing its civic position. This produces new challenges that are characteristic of a mature State.
Throughout two recent months, we have been watching with concern the public and political developments in the country that led to a situation that makes the elections scheduled for October hardly possible. This is very sad, because it is peaceful and inclusive electoral process that can bring long-awaited stability to the country.
So far, as the Secretary-General rightly stated in his report, Haiti has developed a depressing social and economic situation, food crisis, dire humanitarian situation and institutional paralysis. Against this backdrop, the primary task is to endorse candidacy of a new Prime-Minister and build a government capable of ensuring national reconciliation and addressing social and economic issues. We expect that this will be done in the soonest possible term.
We are convinced that existing contradictions can and should be solved by a broad public discussion. Unfortunately, so far attempts to establish such a discussion have resulted in nothing.
Definitely, rights to peaceful assemblies and freedom of expression are inalienable; however, we should not forget that they should be exercised only through unconditional compliance with national legislation.
We would like to draw attention to the fact that social disputes are nothing new – they are to be found in other areas in the region and globally. We repeat relentlessly that the only effective way to solve internal disputes is inclusive national dialogue. Only such dialogue can provide a viable solution, regardless of what country is in question.
Forceful scenarios have never brought either political stability or economic development. We call upon all reasonable forces in Haiti to give it a thought and immediately join dialogue in order to find mutually acceptable solutions. We believe neither Haitians, nor the global community seek to repeat the negative experience related to withdrawal of a UN Mission back in 2000.
We expect that special political mission that commences its work tomorrow, will extend consultative assistance to the host side. We proceed from the assumption that UN support can only be effective if there is trustful cooperation with the host side that should be playing the leading role. Therefore, we anticipate that the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) will help unleash national potential of the country based on priorities defined by Haitians, in full compliance with the mandate of Security Council resolution 2476, and given non-interference in internal affairs. We will closely monitor work at this track.
Attention coming from the UN and its Security Council will help Haitians remain confident of international support.
In conclusion, Mr.President, please rest assured that Russia fully supports Port-au-Prince and will work to ensure that involvement of the Security Council results in true normalization in Haiti, strengthening of its sovereignty and self-sufficiency.
Thank you.
