— Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador, Sir Ronald Sanders, joined Haiti’s Ambassador to the Organization of American States, Jean Josué Pierre, in urging OAS member states to join in issuing a Joint Statement calling for the renewal and full deployment of the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti.
The appeal was made at a meeting of the OAS Permanent Council as the United Nations Security Council prepares to consider renewal of the Force’s mandate before the end of September. Sir Ronald, who is Dean of the OAS Corps of Ambassadors, said the central purpose of the proposed Joint Statement was “clear and urgent”.
“We call upon the United Nations Security Council to renew the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force, and upon the international community to ensure its full and consistent deployment,” he declared. He cautioned that renewal of the mandate would achieve little unless governments honoured their commitments of personnel, financing, equipment and logistical support.
“A force authorised on paper but deprived of the resources necessary to fulfil its mandate cannot deliver the security that the Haitian people desperately need,” Ambassador Sanders said. “Words of support must now be matched by the resources and resolve that can turn solidarity into security.”
The proposed Joint Statement calls for the Force to support the Haitian National Police and the Armed Forces of Haiti in restoring lawful state authority in gang-controlled areas, securing the airport and port, reopening vital transport routes and protecting the population.
It also calls for stronger international action to stop the illicit flow of arms and ammunition into Haiti, disrupt the financial and supply networks sustaining the gangs, and identify, expose and bring to justice those who finance, arm or otherwise enable them.
Sir Ronald stressed that “Security must create the space in which constitutional and democratic government can be restored,” he said. “It must also permit humanitarian assistance, economic recovery and opportunity for Haiti’s young people.”
“Haiti is asking us to help create the conditions in which the Haitian people can reclaim their future for themselves,” Sir Ronald said. “Let us call with one voice for renewal of the mandate, full deployment of the Force and fulfilment of the commitments made to Haiti.”
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua And Barbuda Joins Haiti In Call For Renewal And Full Deployment Of Gang Suppression Force.