Haiti’s interim government asked the United States and the United Nations to deploy troops to the country to secure key infrastructure in the aftermath of the assassination of President Moise….reports Asian Lite News
The White House has said that it is still reviewing Haiti’s request for US military support to stabilize the country after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday during a daily briefing that Haiti’s interim government’s request of sending US troops to the country is still under review, Xinhua reported.
When asked if the White House had ruled out sending troops, she replied “no”.
President Joe Biden on the same day told reporters that “Haiti’s political leaders need to come together for the good of their country,” adding that the United States is ready to offer assistance.
The White House said earlier that an interagency delegation with officials from the departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and State, and National Security Council (NSC) had travelled to Haiti on Sunday.
“The delegation reviewed the security of critical infrastructure with Haitian government officials and met with the Haitian National Police, who are leading the investigation into the assassination,” NSC spokesperson Emily Horne said in a statement.
The delegation also met with Haitian political leaders “to encourage open and constructive dialogue to reach a political accord that can enable the country to hold free and fair elections,” according to the statement.
Haiti’s interim government asked the United States and the United Nations to deploy troops to the country to secure key infrastructure in the aftermath of the assassination of President Moise.
The assassination of the Haitian president came two months before the country’s presidential and legislative elections, which are scheduled for September 26.
UN encourages political compromise
While encouraging leaders in Haiti to reach an inclusive political settlement for stability, UN officials also strive to resume sustainable humanitarian relief efforts after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise threw the impoverished Caribbean country into turmoil, a spokesman for the world body said.
On Friday, Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the UN chief’s special representative in Haiti, Helen La Lime, is in talks with political personalities and factions, stressing the urgency of the situation.
La Lime “continues to be in contact with Haitian leaders and other interlocutors stressing the urgent need to reach an inclusive political compromise to maintain stability and to chart the way forward for Haiti,” Dujarric said.
“The solution to Haiti’s challenges will come from Haitians themselves.”
The UN continues to stand by Haiti and the Haitian people to provide support, he said, adding that the situation is also threatening efforts to provide humanitarian assistance.
“Our colleagues are telling us that following the assassination of the president, efforts to respond to the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in the country are being put at risk,” Dujarric said.
Immediately after the early Wednesday attack on the President, the World Food Programme cancelled humanitarian air service flights through Thursday.