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Hearing calls for deployment of multinational force in Haiti; Security Council decides to consider urgently options for engagement; Over 30 speakers address need to restore order, resolve political crisis -- Part 1 of 3.

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M2 PRESSWIRE-27 February 2004-UN: Hearing calls for deployment of multinational force in Haiti; Security Council decides to consider urgently options for engagement; Over 30 speakers address need to restore order, resolve political crisis -- Part 1 of 3(C)1994-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:02272004

Deeply concerned about the deteriorating political, security and humanitarian environment in Haiti, the Security Council this afternoon stated it would consider urgently options for international engagement, including that of an international force in support of a political settlement.

Through a statement (document S/PRST/2004/4) read out by its President, Wang Guangya (China), the Council also called on the Government of Haiti and all other parties to respect human rights and to cease the use of violence to advance political goals. Further, it deplored the loss of life that had already occurred, and feared that the failure, thus far, to reach a political settlement might result in further bloodshed.

Calling the situation one of utmost urgency, Keith Desmond Knight, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Jamaica, speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which requested today's meeting, sought the direct and immediate intervention of the United Nations in Haiti. He called on the Council to authorize the urgent deployment of a multinational force to assist in the restoration of law and order, to facilitate a return to stability and to create an environment in which efforts to find a solution to the political crisis could be pursued. Such international support would be important to prepare the ground for parliamentary elections and for a presidential election when due.

On 31 January, CARICOM and the Organization of American States (OAS) had put forward a Plan of Action, which included measures to improve the security climate and build confidence. Those included compliance with previous OAS resolutions, disarmament of strong-arm groups and the strengthening of the police force. The Plan also envisaged the appointment of a neutral and independent Prime Minister, and called for the formation of a new Government. While the Plan had been accepted by President Jean Bertrand Aristide, it was rejected by the Opposition.

Faced with the intransigence of the Opposition, Haiti's representative asked how long the international community would wait before it came to the country's aid. It was urgent that a solution be found as soon as possible to return the country to normalcy. He appealed to the Council to urgently send an international force to end the violence, and demand that the Opposition accept a political resolution to the conflict.

Saying the situation in Haiti presented a moral...

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