Madam President,
Norway commends the United Nations and the office of the Secretary General for its comprehensive involvement in Haiti. Norway welcomes the appointment of President Bill Clinton as UN Special Envoy for Haiti. We believe President Clinton can play a key role in mobilizing and coordinating the international community’s support to the Haitian government to consolidate peace. Norway was the first country to give financial support to the office of the Special Envoy, and we look forward to receiving updates in the weeks and months to come.
Norway has also supported capacity building efforts in Haiti both within public entities and in civil society, with particular attention paid to gender issues and the political participation of women. We have cooperated closely with UN agencies and MINUSTAH, and will continue this dialogue. In addition, we have supported direct initiatives in Haiti focusing on areas that can foster stability, such as initiatives promoting dialogue between political parties, NGOs and church communities.
MINUSTAH has played a significant role in creating conditions conducive to building peace. However, much work still remains to establish incentives and a framework for economic and social development. We welcome President Clinton’s ambition to work with the private sector to increase foreign investment and thereby create more jobs and opportunities for the people of Haiti.
Madam President,
As indicated in the Secretary General’s report, a substantial international military and police presence will be necessary for another year. The support from the international community must continue. Member states’ engagement in the larger ongoing UN reforms will also be crucial, as reforms are vital to ensure effectiveness and flexibility in the field. Norway supports the Secretary General in his planning beyond 2010, to ensure a smooth and gradual handover of the responsibilities and activities of MINUSTAH to the Haitian state apparatus. The success of a handover will depend on the quality of its planning, and must be done in close coordination with the Government of Haiti, the UN system as a whole and other national and international partners.
Thank you.