[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E755-E756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ACHIEVING POLITICAL STABILITY AND BALANCE IN HAITI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2001

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, on the heels of a successful OAS summit in 
Quebec, Canada, Haiti President Jean Bertrand Aristide has redoubled 
his personal efforts to include all parties in achieving political 
stability and balance in Haiti. In an effort to achieve this objective, 
on his return from the Summit, President Aristide, publicly stated, 
``This is the hour of dialogue, this is the hour of consultation, this 
is the hour of consensus, this is the hour of compromise. Our arms are 
open to receive all our citizens in mutual respect to continue to find 
those essential solutions for democratic growth.''
  Putting words into action, the President invited all opposition 
groups, as well as members of the private sector and civil society to 
meet with him at the National Palace on May 2, 2001 to ``promote 
transparency and expand the dialogue toward a solution to the crisis 
resulting from the 2000 election.''
  Although 12 opposition groups accepted the invitation to the meeting, 
one of the opposition groups known as Convergence continues to refuse 
to meet and talk with the President. President Aristide invited 
Convergence representatives to meet at the Presidential Palace and work 
towards solutions in Haiti's remaining political and election issues. 
Despite this personal invitation and the President's demonstrated 
intention and willingness to work with all groups to establish the 
strongest possible democracy in Haiti, Convergence continues to refuse 
to participate.

[[Page E756]]

  President Aristide's efforts in this regard are consistent with his 
stated commitment to resolve this electoral situation as quickly as 
possible, and to get on with the governing of Haiti. In addition, the 
President's actions affirm his commitment made to President Bush and 
others to quickly resolve any remaining election issues in a fair and 
open manner that recognizes and protects the decisions already made by 
Haiti's voters.

                          ____________________