SECURITY COUNCIL URGES HAITI’S NEW GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE STABILITY AND RULE OF LAW

17 May - The Security Council today urged Haiti's new Government to focus on the critical tasks of rebuilding the country and ensuring stability and rule of law in the Caribbean nation as it congratulated the country's people for conducting elections peacefully.

In a press statement the Council encouraged all Haitian politicians to resolveany remaining poll disputes through “transparent and efficient” means, ensuring that the elections reflected the will of the people.

“The Members of the Security Council encourage Haiti's new leaders to remain focused on the critical tasks of rebuilding the country, ensuring respect for the rule of law, and ensuring a future of peace, stability and prosperity for all Haitians,” the Council said.

Newly-elected President Michel Martelly was sworn in on Saturday in a ceremony in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Mr. Martelly – who in March won the second, run-off round in the presidential election – succeeds René Préval.

The Council also voiced its deep appreciation of the efforts of the personnel of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for providing critical logistical and security support to the Haitian authorities throughout the electoral process.

The Council assured the people of Haiti that the international community remains steadfast in its commitment to support the efforts of Haitian authorities in dealing with the critical challenges ahead.