SPEECHES
June 14, 2005
OTTAWA, Ontario
2005/26
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NOTES FOR AN ADDRESS BY
THE HONOURABLE PIERRE PETTIGREW,
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS,
BEFORE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS STANDING COMMITTEE ON
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
“HAITI: CAYENNE AND AFTER”
I would first like to thank the members of the Committee for inviting me to discuss the
situation in Haiti. Haiti is a priority for the Canadian government. Canada continues to
play a key role in international efforts to stabilize and rebuild the country and uses every
forum to reiterate its commitment to long-term involvement in Haiti.
To encourage Haiti’s interim government in its efforts, the Canadian International
Development Agency is contributing more than $180 million over two years. One key
component of Canada’s contribution is the 100 civilian police officers deployed to the
UN mission in Haiti, including the police commissioner for this mission.
Cayenne—objectives
The Cayenne Conference on Haiti, organized by France and held on March 18, 2005,
in French Guiana, had a twofold objective:
• to take stock of the implementation of the Interim Cooperation Framework, eight
months after its adoption, and the funding pledges made at the Washington
Conference in July 2004; and
• to provide an update on certain sensitive issues and policies such as the
elections, disarmament and human rights.
Cayenne—participants
This was a conference involving participation by five foreign affairs ministers including
myself. As well as Canada, the foreign affairs ministers represented France, Chile,
Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The other countries were represented by heads of
delegations of various levels. Twelve countries were represented in all, including five
from Latin America. Five international organizations also took part in the conference.
Cayenne—results
The Cayenne Conference achieved significant results:
• It refocused on and strengthened interest in Haiti at a time when other global
crises such as Darfur, Afghanistan and the tsunami in Asia were taking centre
stage in terms of concern and international assistance.
• It provided an opportunity to explore certain sensitive policies, generating open
discussion of issues such as the feasibility of and budget for the elections, the
disarmament program and human rights, including the case of Prime Minister
Neptune’s prolonged detention.
• Above all, it provided a means for renewing the commitment to the Interim
Cooperation Framework and recognizing the importance of rapidly implementing
projects that have a visible and concrete impact, in an effort to meet the
expectations of Haitians.
The international community has put considerable effort into assisting Haiti, but cannot
carry out these commitments without the will of the people to commit to national
reconciliation. However, such reconciliation is difficult if Haitians do not see any
concrete progress—no improvement in their daily lives.
In this sense, I think the most significant result of the Cayenne Conference has been
the creation of a detailed inventory of 380 projects in Haiti—projects in progress and in
the planning stage—to encourage donor countries to accelerate their activities and
disbursements. This indicator has demonstrated that Canada has managed to respond
to the Interim Cooperation Framework crisis beyond its promises, with close to
$100 million paid out in 2004-2005 compared with the $90 million projected.
Current situation
Today, the situation in Haiti remains fragile, particularly in Port-au-Prince. But despite
the situation in the capital, tangible progress has been made in the country thanks to
MINUSTAH [UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti].
Although preparations for the elections are nearly two months behind schedule, we
believe that elections can still take place as planned, in the fall.
Let me also raise another issue related to disbursements by donor countries. The slow
pace at which the international community disburses the pledges made for the future of
Haiti in Washington a year ago sometimes threatens the crucial process of democracy.
Red tape is unjustified—these people cannot wait. I can assure my colleagues of the
House that I will continue to urge all of my ministerial colleagues to get involved directly
in reducing the bottlenecks associated with lengthy bureaucratic procedures to get the
money to Haiti as soon as possible.
Montreal Conference
It is in this context that in two days, on June 16 and 17, Canada will be hosting the
Montreal International Conference on Haiti, in order to outline the achievements
realized and difficulties encountered one year after the creation of MINUSTAH and
11 months after the financial contribution commitments made by donors in Washington
to the Interim Cooperation Framework.
This conference, which I will inaugurate, will be held at the senior official level and will
provide an opportunity to examine the implementation of the upcoming United Nations
Security Council resolution and the measures necessary to improve security and
justice; to discuss the electoral process, including electoral observation; and to consult
on the timely application of the Interim Cooperation Framework.
This is just one more example of Canada’s commitment to maintaining a leadership role
in the reconstruction efforts in Haiti.
Conclusion
Today, Haiti is once again at a crossroads. This is an opportunity for a fresh start, for
reconstruction based on the rule of law, democracy, security and access to decent
living conditions for all Haitians. Canada intends to stand with the people of Haiti and
help them to meet this new challenge under the transitional government and,
subsequently, the government chosen through the upcoming elections.
The international community has an obligation to stop the cycle of crises in Haiti, which
are recurring every 15 years. Canada understands that the task is formidable and
costly, but there can be no failure this time in the efforts of the international community.
Canada wants to help build a stable, democratic and, over time, prosperous society in
Haiti. Canada stands ready to continue to work with the UN toward that objective.
I will be happy to keep you abreast of developments with regard to Haiti over the next
few months.
Thank you.
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