Followed the delivery on 17 August of the report of the Commission "Ethics and Anti-corruption", on the use of funds of PetroCaribe program, which accused many politicians, Jean Max Bellerive, the Chief of Staff of the de facto President Jocelerme Privert, one of the accused of this report, does not intend to let slander by Youri Latortue, President of the Commission without reacting. He intends to drag to court the Senator Latortue, so that the latter proves its accusations, what he explains in a letter addressed to Ronald Larèche, the President of the Senate.

Letter from Jean Max Bellerive :

"Port-au-Prince, August 22, 2016

[...]

Mr. President of the Senate,

I learned through the media that the Commission 'Ethics and Anti-corruption' of the Senate would have formally handed over a report that, among others, challenge my management while I held the office of Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, particularly regarding the PetroCaribe Fund.

Having gone voluntarily several times before parliamentary Commissions to justify the decisions taken under my responsibility, I consider few 'ethical' this indictment without being able to understand the fundamentals.

I asks you to request the President of the said Commission to send me, as soon as possible, the full report including all documents that would justify that I am accused of 'treason', 'extortion' or 'nepotism'.

Moreover, the status of "Senator", of the President of the Commission, not authorized him in any way to slander me at a public press conference. Of course my lawyers are taking all measures in this regard and I hope the Senate will do the same for it to come to justify in court in this regard.

Finally, I am surprised that a senator or group of senators is trying to replace the procedure laid down by the Constitution for the impeachment of a member of the Government in relation to the facts, that would be alleged against him in the exercise of its functions.

Sure you understand the urgency and importance of this request, I renew to you, Mr. Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Jean Max Bellerive

Former Prime Minister

CC: Senator Youri Latortue"

See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-18412-icihaiti-petrocaribe-laurent-lamothe-deplores.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18363-haiti-politicreport-petrocaribe-strong-reactions-of-office-of-laurent-lamothe.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/article-18361-haiti-flash-rapport-d-enquete-sur-l-utilisation-des-fonds-petrocaribe.html (in french)

HL/ HaitiLibre