The Haitian foreign minister said that improving public security will help to attract investors and generate jobs, which will allow the gradual overcoming of poverty. | Photo: UN

United Nations, September 26 (RHC)-- Haitian Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus emphasized at the United Nations General Assembly that his country is at a decisive crossroads in its history and his government is seeking transformative solutions to the current challenges.

During his speech at the 77th Session of the General Assembly, the diplomat noted that the Caribbean nation is facing a multidimensional crisis, with peace and tranquility threatened by insecurity.  He stressed that the Government prioritizes restoring security and public order, as well as reaching a political agreement with the greatest number of sectors for peaceful governance.

It also prioritizes the creation of a social climate that will allow presidential, legislative and local elections to be held as soon as possible, so that the people may freely elect new authorities and these will contribute to renew the institutions.

Foreign Minister Geneus stated that the clashes between armed gangs have caused a large number of civilian casualties and forced displacements.  He explained that the operational capacity and working conditions of the police have been improved, resulting in a reduction of gang abuses in the metropolitan area and the arrest of numerous suspected kidnappers and murderers.

On arms control, he thanked the UN Security Council for Resolution 2645 to limit the entry into the country of weapons that could be used for criminal purposes, as well as the financial assistance provided by several governments to contribute to security.  He also said that customs controls have been strengthened and this has allowed the seizure of more weapons, drugs and illicit money.

The Haitian foreign minister pointed out that 4.9 million people have needed humanitarian aid so far this year and thanked the nations that donate funds for this purpose. He added that the Government has been able to assist some 250,000 Haitians living in three regions of the country affected by the earthquake of August 2021.

He valued that improving public security will contribute to attract investors and generate jobs, which will allow overcoming poverty and improving the socio-economic conditions of the population.  He emphasized that the current Executive is promoting dialogue among all political sectors and that initiatives are underway to hold elections, reestablish democratic institutions and reach an agreement on a constitutional reform.

On this issue, he requested international support for the political agreement to be credible and to gain the confidence of all sectors.   And the Haitian foreign minister also affirmed that justice must be done in the case of former President Jovenel Moïse, assassinated in July 2021, and thanked Colombian President Gustavo Petro for apologizing to Haiti before the General Assembly for the participation of Colombians in that assassination.