[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 22 (Thursday, February 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   REGARDING THE TRAGIC EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN HAITI AND INTRODUCING 
  LEGISLATION WITH RESPECT TO THE URGENCY OF CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2004

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the situation in Haiti 
continues to get worse. The attacks on towns and cities are ongoing and 
more frequent. There are reports of widespread looting and roundups. 
Haiti is now threatened with chaos.
  The ongoing political crisis in Haiti has devastated the country's 
economy, social fabric, and the livelihoods of its people, leaving 
Haitians with a ruined economy and barely functioning physical 
infrastructure, few resources or the basic necessities to maintain 
life, and an insolvent government.
  The path we tread is a difficult one. On the one hand, the 
disappointing Aristide presidency has reached an impasse, and has not 
yet shaken off the questions of constitutional legality. On the other 
hand, the democratic and constitutional principles are the foundations 
to a free society that we must always treasure. But the issue is not 
whether or not to support President Aristide. Rather, finding a 
solution that will bring stability while strengthening the democratic 
process in Haiti.
  To achieve this, a political solution is needed to bring together all 
those that refuse to make things worse. The rebels are degrading the 
democratic institutions. For that reason, sacking an elected leader is 
a recipe for illegitimacy and more bloodshed.
  The American people eagerly support a peaceful transition to a 
representative government in Haiti. Moreover, the Haitian communities 
in exile are committed to peace and democracy in their country, and I 
thank them for their steadfast advocacy for Haiti's interests.
  Mr. Speaker, to put an end to violence, the best solution is to 
involve the international community in ceasing the hostilities, to find 
respite and protect the population. A peaceful and democratic solution 
is needed that respects the rule of law and the people's rights.
  But, what can we do? I am introducing a resolution that will call for 
international efforts to end the violence and develop the economic and 
political institutions necessary to permit Haiti to sustain its 
population and restore its economic, social, and political process.
  This legislation would also call on President Aristide to announce 
early elections. Thereafter, all the people of Haiti will decide 
whether or not new political leaders are needed.
  It would be structured as follows:
  The immediate formation of a United Nations peacekeeping force to 
help put an end to the violence in Haiti and assist with the subsequent 
peace, provide for political transition, and establish an economic 
reconstruction in Haiti.
  International support preparing for early presidential elections by 
establishing a legitimate electoral process.
  An international and long-term commitment to aid with the 
reconstruction of Haiti.
  All of the above must be legitimized and implemented by the 
international community, with the absolute steadfastness from the 
United States to Haiti's peace, justice, and prosperity.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Western Hemisphere's second-oldest democracy--
wrestled from the clutches of European colonialism in 1804 by African 
slaves--the turbulent events in Haiti are of great concern to me. As a 
result, I am introducing this legislation with the utmost urgency.
  I implore my colleagues to support this resolution.

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