Washington, DC —Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) hosted a joint meeting with Haitian Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Garry Conille.
Prime Minister Conille is visiting the United States with a delegation that includes Haiti’s Foreign and Finance Ministers to discuss the U.S.-Haiti bilateral relationship and ways the United States can support Haiti’s transitional government.
“Prime Minister Conille’s visit comes at a crucial time for the Haitian people, whose democratic future and prosperity rests on their government’s ability to restore security and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti. The Prime Minister’s appointment, together with the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council, are important steps towards restoring democratic governance and allowing Haitians to chart their own future, just as the Multinational Security Support Mission will be critical for bolstering the Haitian National Police’s capacity for restoring order,” said Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks. “The United States will work with the Haitian government to ensure proper accountability of the MSS and implementation of the April Agreement’s provisions, including on national security, electoral and constitutional reform and government oversight. We in Congress remain fully committed to the people of Haiti, including the Haitian diaspora who have a critical role to play in determining Haiti’s future.”
“Today, we stand at a defining moment in Haiti’s future. After months of delay, the commencement of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission marks a significant first step toward restoring order and stability in Haiti,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. “We must get it right this time and lay the foundation for a brighter future for Haiti. Breaking the cycle of instability is key to advancing Haiti’s future and establishing the nation as a global partner. As an ally, the United States is committed to supporting Haiti’s security and prosperity through these troubling times while upholding the principles of justice and democracy. I thank Prime Minister Conille for sharing insight into the government of Haiti’s plans and for outlining how the U.S. can assist in rebuilding institutions needed to create the enabling environment for a stable and prosperous society.”
During the joint meeting, Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick spoke with Prime Minister Conille and his delegation about elections, the MSS mission, the need for Congress to reauthorize HOPE/HELP legislation and other finance, economic plans, anti-corruption, and a plan for demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration (DDR).
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