Thursday, July 19, during a ceremony at the National Palace, the President Michel Martelly, accompanied by First Lady, Ms. Sophia Martelly, in the presence of Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe Salvador, members of the Government, the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Auza Bernadito, and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and Consular ; awarded the Medal of the National Order Honor and Merit to the rank Grand Cross Silver plate, to the outgoing Ambassador of the United States in Port-au-Prince, Mr. Merten.

"The Presidency, on behalf of the Haitian people, thanks you for all the work you have done for Haiti. You have demonstrated your capabilities of diplomat par excellence. In all activities, you never missed an opportunity to talk to the Haitian people in their native language, Creole. You have traveled across the country, in every nook and cranny. We wish you Ambassador Merten, much success in your new position in Croatia. We know that you will return in Haiti. When you come back, we will welcome you with all the hospitality that we reserve to our best friends," declared the president Martelly.

The outgoing Ambassador of the United States, Kenneth Merten, in office in Haiti since August 24, 2009, was honored for his contribution in favor of democracy and institution-building in Haiti.

HL/ HaitiLibre