On Wednesday, November 21, after 3 days of paralysis in the metropolitan area and several major cities of Haiti, during an interview in Creole on the Voice of America, Ambassador Kenneth H. Merten, sub-Secretary of State at the US State Department talked about the ongoing crisis in Haiti.

Reacting to the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse claimed by the radical opposition in the demonstrations, he recalled that it is in the ballot boxes that one chooses the "leaders" emphasizing "[...] As everyone knows it, the United States does not like situations of violence... it is not good for people to attack peaceful citizens. Haiti needs investment, Haiti needs investors. We need Peace to be able to continue doing business with the Haitian Government [...]"

About the demonstrations he stressed "[...] if people are not happy with the functioning of the State [...] it is normal that they take the streets to express their frustrations. But this should be done without violence, without slippage because ultimately it will be detrimental to Haiti [...]"

Moreover, Merten considers that "the National Police of Haiti did a good job" during the demonstrations "It is a very difficult job [...] we are really satisfied with the work done by the National Police of Haiti to ensure a minimum of peace in the country."

There was also question during this interview about the illegal importation of weapons in Haiti and PetroCaribe file that he wanted to see to be settled in a transparent manner without manipulation for political reasons.

We invite you to watch the full interview with Kenneth H. Merten, Under-Secretary of State at the US State Department :

TB/ HaitiLibre