Friday in a press statement on Haiti "the members of the Security Council expressed their deep disappointment that Haitian actors failed to meet the election and inauguration deadlines agreed upon in the February 5 political accord, the Haitian-owned and -led roadmap for the swift conclusion of the current electoral cycle, and called on all Haitian actors to ensure the prompt return to constitutional order.

However, they welcomed, the reconstitution of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and noted the establishment of a commission to evaluate and verify the elections held in 2015, stressing the need for the commission to be technical, apolitical, transparent, and complete its work within its 30-day mandate.

The members of the Security Council noted the increasing number of challenges Haiti faces; they can be best resolved through close coordination between a democratically elected Government, Haitian civil society, and Haiti's international partners.

The members of the Council reiterated their strong condemnation of any attempt to destabilize or manipulate the electoral process, in particular through violence, and urged all candidates, their supporters, political parties and other actors to refrain from violence or any action that can further disrupt the electoral process and political stability, and to resolve any electoral disputes through constructive engagement and the appropriate legal mechanisms and for the Government of Haiti to hold those responsible for any violence accountable.

The members of the Council commended the Haitian National Police, with support from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (Minustah), for their efforts to maintain peace and protect the civilian population.

They also welcomed the continued efforts of the United Nations, other multilateral agencies, regional organizations and United Nations Member States in supporting Haiti's critical needs.

The members of the Security Council looked forward to the planned field visit of United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous in Haiti, aimed at conveying to Haitian actors the sense of urgency expressed by the Council towards a swift conclusion of the electoral cycle as well as at assessing Minustah's contribution to the overall situation on the ground, with a view towards his providing options that could inform future steps towards its appropriate configuration.

The members of the Security Council expressed their intention to continue to follow closely the situation in Haiti."

HL/ HaitiLibre