China hopes Haitian government finds proper development path

UNITED NATIONS -- A Chinese envoy said Tuesday that China hopes the new Haitian government will embark on a path of development suited to its national conditions.

"We hope the new government in Haiti identify as soon as possible a development path that fits its national situation, accelerate infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and other major sectors of development with a view to eradicating poverty, creating more jobs, improving people's livelihoods," among others, said Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN at a Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Sandra Honore, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), briefed the Council on developments in the country from October 2016. Since then, she said, Haiti has made significant progress in consolidating democracy and maintaining security and stability with the inauguration of Jovenel Moise as President on Feb. 7, marking the restoration of constitutional order.

"China hopes all parties in Haiti jointly maintain this positive momentum and contribute to the overall stability and development of the country," said the Chinese envoy.

Liu expressed hope that the international community, including countries in the region, will continue to contribute to improving conditions in Haiti, help build a stronger national police force, and support the government's effort to maintain stability.

"At the same time, we hope that the international community will provide more assistance to help hurricane stricken areas in Haiti to build," he said.

In her briefing, Honore noted that the island's police force continues to show an increased ability to combat crime and maintain public order. Areas for improvement include strengthening internal management and oversight and increasing the police-to-population ratio.

She said a six-month extension of MINUSTAH, set to expire on April 15, would encompass the creation of a new mission, which would unfold against the backdrop of a significantly improved political situation. It would also occur at a time when there was a crucial window of opportunity to address the root causes of the political crisis that had preceded the elections.

The Chinese ambassador commended the move, saying that "this is a recognition of the Haitian government's ability to maintain stability."

"China supports the recommendation by this Security Council and the Secretary General and hopes MINUSTAH withdraws in an orderly manner, while ensuring stability in Haiti," he said.