CARICOM dubs Aristide's removal 'breach democratic principles'
Guyana Chronicle
April 5, 2004
CARICOM Heads of Government have dubbed the forced removal of Haitian President Bertrand Aristide from office as a breach of democratic principles and violation of a number of hemispheric declarations on democratic practices.
These include CARICOM'S Charter of Civil Society, Quebec Declaration and the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
Speaking at his press conference Friday, President Bharrat Jagdeo said CARICOM Heads of Government evaluated the situation in Haiti at their meeting in St. Kitts/Nevis. "In our review of developments since our last meeting, we found nothing to change our original conclusion that there has been a breach of the democratic process in Haiti."
President Jagdeo said it is the overwhelming view of CARICOM Member States that President Aristide was removed by force.
The meeting called for an investigation under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), the President said, adding that it is in the compelling interest of the international community that the events surrounding the removal of Aristide be fully investigated.
On CARICOM's continued relationship with in the face of an interim government there, the President replied that it will continue to be a member of the regional body, and that CARICOM has a commitment to the people of Haiti.
Responding to the issue of the calls by the Haitian interim administration for the extradition of Aristide on his alleged involvement in corruption and criminal activity, the President said the role of the present Haitian administration is to return the country to democracy, stating that consequently his government would not support such actions.
He stated that certain pre-conditions have been fixed for other Heads of Government meetings to decide on appropriate measures as the situation in Haiti unfolds.
He also noted that it was unfortunate that there was a misunderstanding of the purpose with CARICOM's dialogue with the Friends of Haiti group.
The President informed the media that it was decided that a core group of CARICOM Prime Ministers on Haiti, under the leadership of the new Chairman of CARICOM, Antiguan Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, be reconstituted and a special envoy as an adjutant be designated to promote CARICOM's interest issues related to Haiti.
Former Chairman of CARICOM, Jamaica's Prime Minister, Percival Patterson stated: "I do not believe there will be a lasting and permanent solution to the problems in Haiti unless CARICOM is involved and allowed to make a meaningful contribution. Nothing can be achieved without our collective support and without the single vision we have always had for the region's development and the maintenance of CARICOM's integrity.
He added in moving forward with renewed commitment no effort must be spared "to engage every citizen of the Community as a full partner in our endeavours. It is ultimately through their full participation and sense of ownership that our success will be eventually assured."