The Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF) which brings together parliamentarians from 90 parliaments or interparliamentary organizations, says it is "very concerned about the deterioration of the political climate in Haiti and calls on all parties to use peaceful means to settle their conflicts."

The APF urges the Haitian political authorities as well as the representatives of the opposition "to renounce the confrontation and to privilege the dialogue to restore a climate of peace and security necessary for the good conduct of the various electoral processes, planned during the ten months, and the peaceful transfer of power."

Stressing that "the announcement of the electoral calendar represents an opportunity for a lasting return to democracy and political stability as well as the resumption of economic development."

Meanwhile, the APF is concerned about violent protests in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince. It invites the Haitian people to demonstrate peacefully so as not to accentuate the climate of tension and also expresses its deep concern at the upsurge in kidnappings and acts of violence perpetrated by armed groups.

The APF remains at the disposal of the Haitian authorities to support, in collaboration with its international partners, the preparation of the legislative elections and help in the establishment of a Parliament representative of the Haitian people and their aspirations.

HL/ HaitiLibre