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Haiti - Price of Independence : Macron Takes a Small Step Toward Recognizing «a Moral Debt» (Statement) 18/04/2025 09:39:28
Statement by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron : "On April 17, 1825, by ordinance, King Charles X of France recognized Haiti's independence, while imposing a heavy burden on it. Despite the effective conquest of its freedom, as early as 1804, by arms and blood, the last of the Kings of France, in exchange for recognition and an end to hostilities, subjected the people of Haiti to a very heavy financial indemnity, the payment of which would be spread over decades. This decision placed a price on the freedom of a young nation, which, from its very inception, was confronted with the unjust force of history. Today, on this bicentennial, we must, here as elsewhere, face this history head on, with clarity, courage, and truth. Haiti was born of a revolution, faithful to the spirit of 1789, which brilliantly affirmed the universal principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. This struggle in Haiti, in harmony with the ideals of the French Revolution, should have offered France and Haiti the opportunity to walk a common path. But the forces of counterrevolution since 1814, the restoration of the Bourbons and the monarchy, have decided otherwise regarding the writing of history. To recognize the truth of history is to reject forgetting and erasure. For France, it also means accepting its share of truth in the construction of memory, a painful one for Haiti, which began in 1825. The truth of history must not create a divide; on the contrary, it must be the bridge that unites what is scattered. In this spirit and with this goal in mind, we must now open all spaces for dialogue and mutual understanding. Consequently, on this symbolic day, I intend to establish a Joint Franco-Haitian Commission tasked with examining our shared past and shedding light on all its dimensions. Once this necessary and indispensable work is completed, this Commission will propose recommendations to both governments to draw lessons from it and build a more peaceful future. This Commission, composed of historians from both countries, will explore two centuries of history, including the impact of the 1825 indemnity on Haiti, analyze the representations and shared memories of this episode between our two countries, and address the development of Franco-Haitian relations in the 20th century. It will be co-chaired by Mr. Yves Saint-Geours and Ms. Gusti-Klara Gaillard Pourchet. Its work must be part of a historical approach of dialogue and action. We must consider together how to better convey this history in our two countries, strengthen educational and cultural cooperation, and build a renewed relationship between France and Haiti, based on listening, respect, and solidarity. Because beyond the past, it is the future that unites us. France stands alongside Haiti in the face of the many challenges of the present. It will continue to be so, supporting initiatives promoting security—the absolute priority at this time—the restoration of justice and democracy, education and health, as well as heritage and culture. Like the Caribbean Community and the United States, France strongly condemns any attempt to destabilize the transitional authorities. Our dialogue must be free, open, sincere, and forward-looking. It is in this spirit that we launch this joint memorial effort today. Memory is not a burden that clouds consciences, but a force that enlightens minds. Recognition of the truth of history offers nations an exceptional opportunity to build a common future." Reacting to this statement by President Macron, the Haitian National Committee on Restitution and Reparation (CNHRR) wrote in a note : "President Macron has taken a step in the right direction. But a very small step. A temporizing step that allows us to buy time and wait and see. In reality, France shows no intention of addressing the issue of restitution directly and resolutely. Certainly, there is recognition of the original injustice and the need to build a better relationship between our two peoples, but nothing more. Similarly, France has recognized slavery as a crime against humanity but refuses to make reparations for this crime. The struggle for the restitution of the ransom of Independence must therefore continue and intensify. The establishment of a multidisciplinary binational commission with the mission of addressing the issue of restitution in all its dimensions is the true starting point for the restorative justice we all await." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44710-haiti-flash-what-macron-will-say-about-the-ransom-of-haiti-s-independence.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43878-haiti-flash-2025-roadmap-for-the-restitution-of-the-ransom-of-independence.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43456-haiti-retreat-restitution-of-france-s-debt-and-reparations.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-42728-icihaiti-ueh-restitution-of-the-independence-debt-by-france-monitoring.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42325-haiti-flash-the-ueh-will-work-on-the-restitution-by-france-of-the-independence-debt.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42185-haiti-flashin-geneva-haiti-calls-for-help-from-the-un-for-the-restitution-by-france-of-the-independence-debt.html HL/ HaitiLibre
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