SC/8004
19 February 2004

Press Statement on Situation in Haiti by Security Council President

NEW YORK, 18 February (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the statement to the press on the situation in Haiti delivered by Security Council President Wang Guangya (China):

Members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern over the increasing violence and political crisis in Haiti leading to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, including the loss of many lives.

Council Members strongly condemned these acts of violence and called upon all those who perpetrate them to put an end to such actions.  They also expressed their deep concern at the massive violations of human rights occurring in Haiti.

Members of the Council called upon the Government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and the opposition sectors to restore confidence and dialogue, and overcome their differences peacefully and democratically through constitutional means.

Council Members commended the work undertaken by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and urged all concerned to collaborate with it.

Members of the Security Council expressed their strong support for the initiatives of the relevant regional organizations, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of American States (OAS), to bring an end to the crisis.

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