On the sidelines of the National Day celebrating the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, Mizuno Mitsuaki, Ambassador of Japan delivered a message of reflection to Haiti, which we invite you to read.

Message from Ambassador Mizuno Mitsuaki in Haiti :

"Dear Haitian friends,

2021 is shaping up to be an election year in Haiti. This will be an opportunity for the Haitian people to express their intentions and political choices. I sincerely hope that the elections will be organized in a transparent, free, open, democratic and inclusive manner, with a broad participation of young people and women. The fate of the country should not be determined by violence, but rather by the voice of every Haitian. The future of the country should not be dominated by terror, but rather by serenity.

It must also be built on the basis of a sincere and taboo-free national dialogue between all the stakeholders. This open and inclusive dialogue will improve the socio-economic conditions of the Haitian people. Dialogue is not synonymous with defeat, let alone weakness. On the contrary, it requires courage, human worth and transcendence. In this sense, I strongly encourage all the actors concerned to clothe themselves with courage to end this sincere and constructive national dialogue, awaited by all.

While destruction is done in the blink of an eye, construction takes time.

I know it, it is a long and difficult road, which, in addition to a lot of determination, requires a common vision, but above all a very great UNION. This is why I remain confident that you, the Haitian people, will promote in the eyes of the world. Your motto 'Union is Strength', choosing mutual respect and collective tolerance in order to fully promote the construction of a better future where peace and security reign for your children and future generations.

If Haiti chooses to build, Japan, your friend, will always be next to you.

Long live Japan ! Long live Haiti ! Long live the Nippo-Haitian friendship !"

HL/ HaitiLibre