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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 3 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 3 of 3(C)1994-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:02272004

Council President WANG GUANGYA (China), speaking in his national capacity, said he fully understood the concern of the representatives of Haiti and CARICOM. Their recommendations merited close examination. He was closely following the situation in Haiti, was concerned about the heavy casualties, and urged all sides to resolve the current crisis by peaceful dialogue in the best interest of the nation.

He commended the OAS and CARICOM for their unremitting efforts to push all sides forward to break the current deadlock and welcomed the decision of the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Adviser for Haiti. Calling on the international community to provide the Haitian people with emergency humanitarian assistance, he said he would work with the international community to ease the humanitarian crisis and resolve the political stalemate.

RICHARD RYAN (Ireland), speaking on behalf of the European Union and associated States, welcomed the Secretary-General's decision to appoint a Special Adviser for Haiti. The Union was gravely concerned at the worsening situation there, and that concern had increased with each troubling report on, among other things, the marked deterioration in the security situation, the continuing loss of life, the abuse of human rights, and serious violations of democratic rules. He called on all parties to facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid and to respect humanitarian personnel, vehicles and medical facilities.

The present crisis in Haiti must be resolved peacefully, through constitutional means and a process of political dialogue and compromise, he said. The Union had given clear support to the efforts of the OAS to facilitate a resolution of the political impasse in Haiti. It had also strongly supported the recent initiative by the CARICOM. The Union deeply regretted that the opposition in Haiti had so far declined to accept the Plan of Action presented to the Government and opposition on 21 February. The Union was convinced that the principles of that plan offered an important contribution to restore confidence and to facilitate dialogue. All parties bore heavy responsibilities in the current circumstances.

The Union stood ready, he said, to accelerate the search for a peaceful, democratic and constitutional outcome. In that regard, the Union particularly welcomed the urgent initiative by the Government of France to invite representatives of the Haitian Government, the opposition and civil society to talks in Paris tomorrow. The Union called on all parties to refrain from any action that would further imperil the welfare of the Haitian people.

ORLANDO REQUEIJO GUAL (Cuba) said the international community must help Haiti at such a crucial time in its history. The old problems derived from colonialism and exploitation were compounded by new, pressing difficulties relating to the unjust and...

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