Statement by the President of the Security Council on Haiti, S/PRST/2006/1

United Nations S/PRST/2006/1 Security Council Distr.: General 6 January 2006 Original: English Statement by the President of the Security Council At the 5343rd meeting of the Security Council, held on 6 January 2006, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “The question concerning Haiti”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council: “The Security Council reiterates its full support for the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Juan Gabriel Valdés. “The Security Council reiterates that the future holding of elections is a fundamental step towards the restoration of democracy and stability in Haiti. The Council takes note with concern of the new postponement of the elections in Haiti and, in this regard, trusts that the delay in the electoral calendar will enable the resolution of logistical and technical problems in order to ensure transparent, inclusive, free and fair elections. “The Security Council urges the Transitional Government of Haiti and the Conseil Electoral Provisoire to expeditiously announce new and definitive dates for the elections, the first round to be held within weeks, but no later than 7 February 2006, and to ensure that the elections will take place in accordance with international democratic standards and under conditions conducive to the widest possible participation. The Council calls upon all relevant international stakeholders to continue to collaborate closely with the Transitional Government of Haiti and other national authorities in this endeavour. The revised electoral calendar and corresponding budget should be realistic and comprehensive, and encompass national, municipal and local elections. “The Security Council reaffirms that security remains an essential element for the holding of free and equitable elections. The Council expresses its concern over the deterioration of security conditions in Port-au-Prince and urges the Haitian National Police and MINUSTAH to continue their efforts to further intensify their cooperation to improve the security situation in order to restore and maintain the rule of law. In this regard, the Council pays tribute to those MINUSTAH peacekeepers that have been killed or injured in the line of duty. “The Security Council is of the view that, after the elections, a period of fundamental importance for the long-term stability will follow. National 06-20266 (E) 060106 *0620266* S/PRST/2006/1 reconciliation and political dialogue should continue to be promoted as a means to ensure long-term stability and good governance. “The Security Council reaffirms that open and credible elections, based on the ownership by the Haitian people, are paramount to the consolidation of democratic institutions and procedures, but it recognizes at the same time that they do not constitute the sole means to address the longer-term problems that Haiti faces in the security sector and in the restoration of the rule of law, both of which are critical to stability and sustainable development. The Council welcomes, accordingly, the decision taken by the donor community to extend the Interim Cooperation Framework until December 2007 in order to assist the new elected Government to continue reconstruction efforts. The Council reaffirms that short, medium and long-term strategies, within a unified framework, are needed to ensure coordination and continuity in the international assistance to Haiti.” 2