WASHINGTON, DC – The Government of France and the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) signed an agreement (Thursday, Oct. 21) that sets a contribution of 200,000 Euros –approximately $250,000—for the tasks of the Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) that the OAS and CARICOM are conducting jointly for the elections of November 28 in Haiti.
During the signing ceremony, OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza expressed his gratitude for the French Government’s dedicated support and stated that given the circumstances, “this election is not only an important political process, but also a true vote of confidence from the Haitian people in the democratic system after the tragedy suffered this past January.”
The Secretary General also referred to the commitment of the international community, which has “joined forces to support a reconstruction program and has demonstrated its willingness and support for holding these elections.” He added that “beyond the devastating consequences caused by the earthquake, it is important to show proof that democracy endures.”
Ambassador Pierre-Henri Guignard, Permanent Observer of France to the OAS, highlighted the importance of the agreement by affirming that it “underlines the trust that the French Government has placed on the joint efforts of the OAS and CARICOM to guarantee that the next elections will be free, fair, and transparent.”
He added that the contribution is “proof that France, the France that belongs to the Americas, recognizes and participates in the immense solidarity that has arisen in the hemisphere towards the most fragile and vulnerable nation.”
The event, which took place at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, also was attended by the Permanent Representative of Haiti to the OAS, Ambassador Duly Brutus, and OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin.
