On Wednesday, President Michel Martelly, proceeded to the official opening of the first workshop on the development of the "White Paper on Defence and Security for economic and social development of Haiti." An ambitious project of the Ministry of Defence, which will be implemented under the leadership of the Head of State, with the cooperation of the International Junta of Defence of the Organization of American States (OAS).

In his opening speech, the Head of State clarified that with the plan of gradual withdrawal of the Minustah, the time had come to ask in a thoughtful and sustainable way, the basis of national security "More than ever, we need to consolidate democratic gains, define all the alternatives and choose the best solutions. In this perspective, we found it necessary for Haiti to have its own White Paper on Security and Defence, and we appealed on the expertise of each other in this field, both nationally and internationally, "congratulating all those involved in the preparation of this document, adding "My presence at this ceremony reflects the importance that the Haitian authorities grant to create a safer nation."

"The Defence is an attribute of sovereignty. No one can stop us from thinking our defense," declared Lener Renauld, the Minister of Defense, who paid tribute to President Martelly for his willingness and commitment in regard to the recovery of the Nation.

Safeguard national sovereignty, border control, maritime, airspace, protect the population and outline broad lines of a defense policy for the next fifteen years, constitutes an obligation according the Head of State.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12059-haiti-security-workshop-on-the-developmentof-white-paper-on-defence-and-national-security.html

HL/ HaitiLibre