Call for China to help with Haiti

Roseau – Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit Friday called on China to use its vote in the United Nations Security Council to support a call for the mobilisation of an internationals security force to restore peace and stability in Haiti.

Addressing the Caribbean-China consultation here, Skerrit, who is also the chairman of the 16-member regional integration grouping, CARICOM that also includes Haiti, said he has made Haiti a top priority during his chairmanship.

“As you’re aware, Haiti is experiencing a security and humanitarian crisis, a crisis which requires the care and concern of all nations in order to assure a likely solution to the crisis,” Skerrit told the meeting that is being attended by China’s       and foreign ministers of CARICOM countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing.

He said that the issue of the international security force would require a UN Security Council resolution.

“We are therefore requesting the fullest support and cooperation of China as a permanent member of the Security Council. In advancing this resolution,” Skerrit said, noting that China has provided in the past steadfast support for all of the resolutions on Haiti.

“We also note that you are the second largest contributor to the peacekeeping force in the UN Security Council,” Skerrit said, acknowledging that some of China’s peacekeeping forces had died while on duty.

“…some of your comrades even died as a show of your commitment to the well being of Haiti, and therefore we call on China … to provide the necessary support to assist the country,” he said, adding “and I have no doubt that our friends…will provide that level of support that Haiti  requires from us

“So we’ll continue to work together, as CARICOM has decided to lead the charge in finding a solution and mobilising global efforts towards assisting our brothers and sisters in Haiti,” Skerrit added. (CMC)