Jim O'Keeffe
Question:256 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland has contributed in any way to support the return of constitutional democracy to Haiti, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Democracy in Haiti.
The Government are deeply concerned about the military coup which took place in Haiti on 30 September last against the country's first democratically elected President Mr. Jean Bertrand Aristide. We have been active with our Community partners and at the UN in efforts to bring pressure to bear for the return to the rule of law in Haiti and for the reinstatement of the legitimate authorities there. This is called for in several statements by the Twelve including one of 3 October immediately after the coup, in which the Community and its member states suspended their assistance to Haiti under the Lomé Convention. Later that month, Ireland co-sponsored a Resolution at the UN General Assembly condemning the coup and calling for the restoration of the President Aristide's Government.
The Government remain concerned at the failure to date to bring an end to the coup and in particular that the agreements of 23 and 25 February signed in Washington, which provide for a return to Haiti of President Aristide and the formation of a new Government, remain unimplemented. With partners in the Community we are currently examining the situation in co-operation with the organisation of American States to see what further measures might be taken.