The United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN-ECOSOC) Advisory Group on Haiti met with counterparts from the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC this week, to exchange information and review initiatives funded by Member States and executed in Haiti.

The UN group, which is mandated to "follow closely and provide advice on Haiti’s long-term development strategy, to promote socio-economic recover, reconstruction and stability," included Ambassadors and Representatives to the UN from Canada, the United States, Brazil, France, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, The Bahamas, Chile, Benin, El Salvador and several other countries, along with their Ambassadors to the OAS, and technical staff of the organization.

Albert Ramdin, OAS Assistant Secretary General and Chair of the Haiti Task Force and the Group of Friends, chaired the meeting, which took place at the OAS Headquarters in Washington, DC, Ambassador Ramdin declared "Haiti has made significant progress in the last year, and the prospects for the future are positive. We must continue to review our collective efforts and adjust where necessary to ensure that the people and government of Haiti are supported."

Addressing the meeting, the Chair of the UN-ECOSOC, Canada’s Gilles Rivar (Canada) added, "It is important for the ECOSOC Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti to consult with the OAS, considering the key role of the organization in the efforts of the international community to support Haiti’s recovery and stability."

Following the recent installation of the members of the College Transitional of Permanent Electoral Council (CTCEP), participants at the meeting in Washington reiterated that they were now looking forward to the holding of senatorial, local and municipal elections later this year in Haiti.

Haiti’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, Duly Brutus, addressed the representatives and provided an update on developments and progress in various issues in Haiti. "The government of Haiti is appreciative of the support of the countries represented here today and the work of the international community. We will continue to work together to pursue development and progress for the people of Haiti."

HL/ HaitiLibre