March 04, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

Prime Minister Paul Martin today issued the following statement in response to the outcome of the CARICOM Heads of Government Emergency Session on the Situation in Haiti, held March 2-3, 2004, in Kingston, Jamaica:

"Canada welcomes the CARICOM leaders' agreement to participate in the UN follow-on stabilization force for Haiti. We are pleased that CARICOM will continue to contribute to international efforts in support of a peaceful, democratic resolution of the situation in Haiti. Canada believes the involvement of CARICOM leaders and nations is fundamental to the peaceful and democratic future of Haiti.

We note that several elements of CARICOM's Action Plan for Haiti have been put into place including the tripartite council that will lead to the nomination of a new national unity government.

Canada welcomes CARICOM's commitment to remain engaged in Haiti and will to continue to work in partnership with CARICOM and other members of the international community in a manner that respects the rule of law and protects human rights and fundamental freedoms."