PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is hoping for the establishment of an electoral council to organize elections in the Caribbean country next year.
Blinken made the statement following a meeting with Transitional Presidential Council Coordinator Edgard Leblanc Fils.
Blinken’s visit comes as Haiti continues to battle violent gangs that have taken over much of the capital and started moving into nearby regions.
Prime Minister Garry Conille on Wednesday expanded a state During a meeting on Thursday with Conille, Blinken expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his work to promote strong collaboration between the transition government and the leadership of the Multinational Security Support mission (MSS), which supports the Haitian National Police to re-establish security and build security conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections.
Both leaders concurred that continued collaboration with the MSS mission, Transitional Presidential Council, and international community is essential to establish peace and security and set Haiti on a path toward democratic governance.
Blinken and Conille also discussed priorities for current and future humanitarian aid to the Haitian people as security conditions improve.
In a statement on Thursday, Blinken’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller said the priorities include “tackling food insecurity, youth unemployment, and health infrastructure consistent with the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in Haiti.”
Blinken also reaffirmed the Biden-Harris’ unwavering support for the timely reauthorization of the HOPE/HELP trade preference programme for Haiti.
During at a separate meeting with Conille , Blinken said the situation in Haiti was “very challenging” but “promising,” and lauded the progress made since the transitional council was established in April after the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
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