Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2016
441. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the growing number of protests and demonstrations in Haiti, that the unrest was generated after the Presidential election was postponed indefinitely; and if he is concerned for the democratic process in Haiti. [4466/16]
View answerI am aware of the developments referred to by the Deputy, notably the recent decision of Haiti's electoral authority to suspend the second round of elections for security reasons.
Officials from my Department continue to monitor the situation in Haiti. We are concerned by any disruption of the democratic process. It is our view that political leaders in Haiti should reject violence and work together to bring the electoral process to a prompt conclusion through the holding of the second round of presidential elections, respecting the right of the Haitian people to express their democratic will.
I echo the message of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Haiti, who stated that the UN and the international community "reiterate their continued support for the conclusion of an inclusive and equitable electoral process while supporting efforts aimed at finding a way forward that ensures the democratic renewal of State institutions", as well as the call by the OAS Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) for all political stakeholders to engage in a consensual, constructive dialogue to overcome the current political crisis and complete the electoral process.
