16209: NCHR Press Release: Haitian Coalition Condemns Recent Wave of Vio lence in Haiti (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Martine Caze <MCaze@nchr.org>

Haitian Coalition Condemns Recent Wave of Violence in Haiti;
Calls on All Actors to Play their Part to Find Peaceful Resolution


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dina Paul Parks, 212-337-0005

NEW YORK, July 28, 2003 -- The National Coalition for Haitian Rights (NCHR)
is deeply distressed by increasing incidents of violence in Haiti, which
threaten to destroy all hopes, however faint, of finding a negotiated
settlement to a political stalemate that has dragged on for more than three
years.  Recent acts of violence in the Central Plateau and Cité Soleil; the
arrest and incarceration of opposition member Judith Roy; and the act of
criminal arson at the "McDonald" market have all contributed to dealing a
crushing, if not fatal, blow to the already-beleaguered negotiations
process.

We note with particular concern the seriousness of the Central Plateau and
Cité Soleil acts of violence, which have -- combined -- left four people
dead and scores injured.  Late this past Friday evening, July 25th, in the
Central Plateau, an armed commando attacked a delegation of the Ministry of
the Interior, killing at least four government officials and seriously
wounding one.  Reportedly, this act was committed by the same
anti-government group or groups responsible for several other acts of armed
violence in the Central Plateau over the course of many months against
government targets.  In Cité Soleil, violence erupted on July 12th as the
civil society coalition Group of 184 sought to exercise its constitutional
right to assemble with some neighborhood residents, resulting in serious
injury to dozens of individuals and causing substantial material loss.  This
was perpetrated by so-called Popular Organizations (OPs) close to the ruling
Lavalas party.  Particularly disturbing of the Cité Soleil violence was the
indifference of the Haitian National Police, which was on the scene but
blatantly abdicated its responsibility to serve and protect.

"NCHR deplores and strongly condemns violence on the part of any group
against another, whatever the political stripe or agenda," said NCHR
Executive Director, Dina Paul Parks.   Furthermore, we are appalled that the
government of Haiti would characterize the Group of 184's peaceful gathering
as an "act of provocation" as well as attempt to blame NCHR-Haiti for the
recent outbreak of violence.  NCHR-Haiti has a stellar history of working to
protect the human rights of all Haitians and promoting a human rights
culture in Haitian society.  "The government of Haiti should be joining us
in denouncing and aggressively combating political violence of any kind,
rather than attempting to justify aggression by a 'blame the victim'
argument," added Paul Parks.

NCHR fears that this rapid deterioration of the social and political climate
will only worsen the human rights situation and prevent fruitful dialogue
between the political actors.  Emphasizing the necessity for serious
engagement from all sides, Paul Parks notes "An end to this three-year old
crisis, particularly on the eve of Haiti's bicentennial, is the obligation
of every Haitian.  All parties must adhere to the commitment of finding a
peaceful resolution, engaging in serious dialogue, not violent attacks
against government officials, civil society or citizens of any kind. Only
then can we begin the process of building institutions that respond to the
Haitian people's aspirations for sustainable development and long-lasting
democracy. "

The deterioration of the crisis at this particular moment is all the more
regrettable in light of some encouraging progress that has been made over
the past three months.  These include:

*	The Government of Haiti (GOH) paid off $32 million in arrears to the
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This cleared the way for the GOH to
receive disbursements on approved loans worth almost $150 million.  Paying
off the arrears also opened the door for Haiti to negotiate new IDB loans up
to $317 million.
*	The GOH signed an agreement with the International Monetary Fund
(IMF), committing to fiscal and monetary discipline. The agreement calls for
the GOH to cut deficit spending by 50%. Both chambers of Parliament have
voted new budgets reflecting the reduction in deficit spending. More
importantly, this agreement is the first agreement between the GOH and the
IMF in more than three years, signaling reengagement by this major
international institution.
*	The Convergence Démocratique (CD) issued public declarations
dropping its insistence on the ouster of President Aristide while stating
its willingness to participate in the electoral process if its security
concerns are addressed by the GOH.
*
*	Unfortunately, the latest wave of violence and the lack of political
will to bring perpetrators to justice threaten to nullify these positive
developments.  At this tenuous juncture in Haiti's history, NCHR calls on
the Haitian government to:
*
*	Publicly condemn all forms of violence, specifically those committed
on July 12th in Cité Soleil against those participating in the gathering
sponsored by the Group of 184.
*	Arrest, prosecute and punish all criminals and violators of human
rights.
*	Ensure that the police take all necessary and lawful steps to
restore and maintain order and security, and ensure that the human and civil
rights of every Haitian are respected.
*	End the practice of politically-motivated harassment, arrests and
indictments.

NCHR calls on members of the opposition to:

*	Fully engage in serious negotiations that can lead to a resolution
of the crisis.
*	Vigorously condemn and repudiate any acts of violence and sabotage,
which will only contribute to the Haitian people's misery.

NCHR calls on the U.S government to:

*	Apply its full force and resources in support of a negotiated
solution to the crisis.
*	End its discriminatory policy of incarcerating Haitian asylum
seekers.

With just five months before Haiti celebrates its bicentennial, it is
imperative that all actors play their part in order to move the country
forward.



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