Haiti: the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

On this tragic day of mourning for Haitian society and for the Americas, our Delegation wishes first of all, on behalf of the people and Government of the Dominican Republic, to express its deepest sorrow and its condolences to the family and loved ones of the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, and of the First Lady, Martine Moïse, who we hope will make a full recovery.

We likewise extend our message of solidarity to the Permanent Mission of Haiti to the Organization of American States (OAS) and to the people and Government of Haiti, in the wake of the criminal act of which such high personalities were victims in the early hours of today.

Mr. Chair, distinguished colleagues, the Dominican Republic vigorously rejects the acts that took place today in Haiti, calls for peace to prevail and calls on Haitian institutions to maintain stability and the security of the population.

It is imperative that those responsible for this crime be identified and brought to justice as soon as possible. The Dominican Republic offers its cooperation in achieving that aim, together with this Organization and the international community.

It is essential to maintain support for the established constitutional order in the Republic of Haiti. Today, more than ever, the effort of all sectors of Haitian society is required in order to take the necessary steps, through dialogue and concrete actions, for peace, democracy and security in Haiti.

The sister nation of Haiti needs us all. This is a moment of singular significance for the international community, both in multilateral forums and for the relevant actors committed to the future of Haiti. It is one more opportunity to bring about robust collective actions that contain any situation of crisis and prevent its escalation.

Finally, we wish to recall that only a few days ago, following the visit of the Good Offices Mission of this Permanent Council to Port-au-Prince, we spoke out in positive appreciation of the readiness shown and the commitments undertaken by President Jovenel Moïse for a democratic transition to take place in Haiti next February. His democratic commitment and his efforts to arrange a political dialogue in his country deserve recognition at this moment of tribulation and bewilderment.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.