U.S. Voices Hope for Genuine Democracy in Haiti

The United States on Saturday expressed hope that the latest developments in Haiti would lead to genuine democracy there.

“Our policy toward Haiti is and has long been aimed at helping the people of Haiti achieve democratic government and respect for fundamental human rights,” State Department spokesman Adam Shub said. “We obviously hope that the latest developments in Haiti contribute to a realization of these objectives.”

Shub said that the United States welcomes the statement by the acting president, Army Chief of Staff Herard Abraham, that he intends to turn over power within 72 hours to a provisional government whose task will be to organize elections.

“We’re encouraged by the spirit of cooperation shown by Haitian political, labor, business and civic leaders to build a consensus for a democratic transition in Haiti,” Shub said. “We call on all sectors of Haitian society to support efforts aimed at ensuring national reconciliation and a peaceful transfer of power. In particular, we call on all Haitians to ensure that there will be no further bloodshed and call on the armed forces to defend the constitution and the democratic process.”

A State Department human rights report issued last month complimented the Avril government for avoiding “the egregious violations--massacres and politically motivated killings--characteristic of its predecessors.” But it linked the Haitian army to human rights violations still occurring in some rural areas.

The Bush Administration expressed reservations about the Avril regime’s commitment to free elections after it imposed a state of siege in January and arrested several political opponents. Censorship was ended, civil liberties were restored and political prisoners were released after Washington complained.

But U.S. Ambassador Alvin Adams was recalled temporarily to show American displeasure, and a reevaluation of the situation was under way when the current crisis erupted earlier this month.