José Miguel Insulza, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), welcomed Wednesday morning at 10:00am, at OAS headquarters in Washington DC, the Prime Minister of Haiti, Dr. Garry Conille, with whom he spoke about the importance of ensuring that the international community's assistance is in line with the plans established by the Haitian government.

Prime Minister Conille was accompanied on by the President of the Senate, Simon Dieuseul Desras, the President of the Commission on International Affairs of the Chamber of Deputies, Guy Gerard Georges, and the Special Envoy of President Martelly, Richard Morse.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister Conille highlighted the support that the OAS has provided to his country in electoral issues, development, civil registration and consolidation of democracy. He furthermore recognized the organization’s leadership and will to work hand in hand with the government to coordinate regional and international support.

Secretary General Insulza reiterated that the Organization he leads is highly committed to working with the Haitian government. "The best way to make an effective contribution to Haiti is by channeling aid through the authorities that the people have elected to be governed by," he said and recalled that "there is great hope in the new government" and that it is a good time for the country to start showing progress.

"It is important to consider that, despite all the difficulties, Haiti has maintained its democracy," stressed the head of the hemispheric organization, who also added that in the region there is an obvious effort to broaden community participation in which people are part of change and progress, and "this is achieved by strengthening and making government more efficient." The OAS leader also reiterated that "the Organization will continue to do everything necessary to support the government of the Caribbean country," and promptly referred to the OAS will provide in assisting with the conduct of the parliamentary and local elections to be held this year, and also in the creation of a Permanent Electoral Council.

At the meeting, members of the Haitian delegation referred to the importance of involving all branches of government to work as partners with the OAS, and stated that the relationship between the agency and Haiti has always been important, especially in times of crisis. They also reported their objective of finding a more coordinated cooperation at the highest level within organizations and entities that support the country in order to respond to the demands and expectations of the Haitian people.

HL/ HaitiLibre