Statement by the Permanent Representative of the Argentine Republic, Amb. Martín García Moritán

 

Mr. President,

I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Sandra Honoré for presenting the report (S/2016/225) of the Secretary General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). We acknowledge her work and the results achieved, which are contributing to strengthening dialogue and Haiti’s institutions. Let me also acknowledge the presence of the Permanent Representative of Haiti, Ambassador Denis Régis, and his active delegation. We also thank the new Force Commander, Lieutenant General Ajax Porto Pinheiro, and Commissioner Serge Therriault.
 

When the Security Council considered the situation in Haiti in October, the electoral process was under way and the presidential elections were still on the horizon. Although the October elections took place in relative calm, allegations of irregularities and the tensions that were generated with regard to the process of reviewing the results forced successive postponements, until the indefinite suspension on 22 January. Despite those incidents, which hindered the transition process again, fortunately it was possible to achieve a parliamentary agreement that enabled the establishment of a provisional Government after the end of the mandate of President Martelly.
 

Like other countries in the region worried about the future of Haiti, Argentina is closely following the process and hopes that the Haitian people can achieve the normalization of the political situation by concluding the electoral process and installing a legitimate Government that can consolidate greater stability.
 

With regard to the report of the Secretary-General, Argentina is concerned about the increasing violence in the course of the electoral process during the last months of 2015 and earlier this year. We remain confident that the work of the transitional Government can help both to reduce violence and to successfully conclude the electoral process.
 

Argentina deeply regrets that situation, although it cannot help but recall that, when the extension of the mandate of MINUSTAH was decided by resolution 2180 (2014), with the consequent downsizing, we, along with other countries of the region, supported the need to maintain an increased military presence until the electoral process could be considered successfully completed. Nevertheless, we should highlight the performance of MINUSTAH personnel, who continue to make great efforts, while prioritizing certain areas in order to fulfill their mandate due to a reduction in staff.

With regard to policing, Argentina recognizes the work done on capacity-building for the Haitian National Police under the development plan for the period 2012-2016. We note, however, that, 10 months from the end of that span, the level of compliance is 60 per cent, as well as the need for greater commitment from the international community to strengthen both the police component and to promote the reform of the security sector.
 

In that regard, Argentina looks forward to the next report of the Secretary-General in order to learn more precisely about the levels achieved. At the same time, we are confident that the report will make it possible to assess the situation with regard to the election process and the recommendations to be made by the Secretariat to the Council with regard to the future of MINUSTAH.

In that connection, I would like to reiterate the need for the full participation of the Haitian Government in decisions about the United Nations presence in the country. In conclusion, let me reaffirm Argentina’s support for the people and the Government to Haiti in their efforts to strengthen the democratic process, security and economic and social development of the country.

 

17 March, 2016