EU voices dismay at political turmoil in Haiti

Haitian anti-riot policemen block pro-government demonstrators wearing shirts decorated with photos of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide who were harassing anti-government marchers recently. (AP Photo)

Wednesday, September 17, 2003

BRUSSELS, Belgium: Haiti's political situation and the "ever more frequent and serious violations" of human rights and freedoms is a source of dismay for the European Union.

The Associated Press quoted 15 EU governments as saying the recent violence in Cap-Haitien between opponents and supporters of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's government and "the brutal intervention" by the national police was deplorable.

The grouping also voiced "concern" regarding the upcoming elections stating that EU aid to Haiti will not resume until the resolutions passed by the Organization of American States are met by the Jean Bertrand Aristide administration. 

"The European Union once again calls on the Haitian authorities to take the necessary steps to restore a climate of security capable of restoring confidence so that the electoral process can ensure the greatest possible participation by Haitian civil society," AP quoted the EU as saying. 

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