SC/8021
IHA/876
8 March 2004
NEW YORK, 5 March (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the press statement on Haiti delivered by Security Council President Jean-Marc de la Sablière (France):
The members of the Council heard a presentation by Jan Egeland, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. Mr. Egeland presented the humanitarian situation on the ground and the response to be issued by the international community, in particular the United Nations agencies.
Mr. Egeland highlighted the need for emergency aid in the key sectors of food, health care, water and sanitation, noting the critical importance of restoring security as a condition for access to vulnerable Haitians.
Members of the Council reiterated their call for all parties to provide safe and unimpeded humanitarian access as called for in resolution 1529 (2004).
Members of the Council stressed the importance of a Flash Appeal to be made on behalf of Haiti next week, both in Port-au-Prince and New York, and urged generous and timely international support.
The members of the Council welcomed the contributions of the troop contributors and took note of the information provided on the deployment of the Multinational Interim Force (MIF) on the ground in Haiti.
The members of the Council also welcomed that the MIF will continue to coordinate, as needed, with the United Nations Special Adviser for Haiti and the Organization of American States (OAS) special mission to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
The members of the Council will continue to follow closely developments in Haiti, including the evolution of the humanitarian situation.
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