On Thursday, in a statement, the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) says it follows attentively the political and social situation in Haiti and "[...] sends its condolences to the families and friends of the dead, as well as its solidarity and wishes for speedy recovery to the wounded.

The General Secretariat of the OAS reaffirms the right to social manifestation and to free association and expression, while at the same time it absolutely rejects acts of violence that take place at the margins of citizen demonstrations.

The right of demonstration and free association play an important role in the solidity of democratic progress and ensure a channel for citizen demands to be addressed. However, there is no room for the use of violence for political purposes.

The OAS General Secretariat understands that democratic gains that have been made in the country should be preserved, and encourages the authorities to participate in an inclusive dialogue on governance in institutional strengthening and in the exercise of democracy to ensure greater social peace and growth.

In the same way, the OAS General Secretariat reiterates its willingness to cooperate with Haiti in all efforts at democratic and institutional strengthening."

HL/ HaitiLibre