Haiti: national consensus and multinational force

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

We take note of the statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Haiti and of the constant efforts of the Haitian authorities to broaden consensus among the political actors and Haitian civil society.

We also take note of the document "National Consensus for an Inclusive Transition and Transparent Elections," signed on December 21, 2022.

We urge the Haitian authorities to continue with a strategy of openness toward the various sectors of Haitian civil society, with the aim of making the democratic institutions operational as soon as possible, as soon as security conditions and technical means allow.

We encourage member countries that are in a position to do so to assess the options presented by the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) in his letter of September 8, 2022, addressed to the Security Council, with a view to taking part in the specialized multinational force requested by Haiti to help its security agents fight the proliferation of organized crime and the illicit trafficking in arms and ammunition, and eradicate the criminal gangs that have practically taken that country hostage. These gangs restrict the free movement of people, prevent the population's access to humanitarian aid and health care, and obstruct preparations for the organization of free, transparent and inclusive elections.

Finally, Mr. Chair, we recognize the need to reach consensus at the regional and extraregional levels, based on the principle of regional cooperation, with the consent and participation of the Republic of Haiti.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.