"Every second that passes can save or break thousands of lives" is the cry of alarm that launches Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Haiti, in a statement released yesterday, four days after the start of the demonstrations which continue to paralyze some northern cities in the country.

The perpetrators of these "criminals and irresponsible" acts said Mr. Mulet, "prevent the delivery of medical and sanitary assistance to the thousands of patients recently hit by the cholera epidemic, thus condemning to an unquestionable death."

"If this situation continues, more and more desperate patients waiting for care, may die; more and more desperate Haitians awaiting access to preventive care may be overtaken by the epidemic," still feared Mr. Mulet.

"Despite the urgent appeals of the humanitarian community, roads, airports and bridges are still blocked, erected barricades are still in the area of Cap-Haitien, one of the regions most affected by the spread of cholera", further stated, Mr. Mulet, while calling for the conscience of those who commit these acts and urging them to be compassionate toward those of their fellow whose life hangs by a thread.

12,000 men strong, very well equipped and armored vehicles, what awaits Minsutah to release these roads and to restore the order in the zones concerned ? Isn't Edmond Mulet who doesn't cease declaring, through all the country, that the Minustah will guarantee the safety of the population and that the election will be realized in the greatest calm ?

If the peacekeepers are there only to look at urban violence, we have everything to fear for our safety at the next election. If Minusha's mission is to maintain peace, she must first begin by eliminating the causes of these disorders, not with dramatic speeches, not by invoking the conscience or compassion for criminals responsible but by acting effectively with the means necessary. Otherwise what is the Minusha role ?

If this force of "Peace" is not able to restore order in one or two cities, this is not the Haitian National Police, which lacks manpower and equipment, which will be able to do it. It is time to stop speaking and acting Mr. Mulet, be at the height of your previous statements, before it is too late and that violence will spread throughout the country.

HL/ HaitiLibre