US Welcomes Unity Government In Haiti

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- The formation of the interim government in Haiti is a positive and necessary step in responding to the Haitian people’s needs and restoring the country’s democratic institutions, said United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken. Blinken said the US welcomes efforts by Haiti’s political leadership to come together in choosing an interim prime minister and a unity cabinet to chart a path forward in the wake of the heinous assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. “The United States, together with the international community, urges Haiti’s political and civil society leaders to continue to work together to advance a broad and inclusive dialogue that responds to the needs of the Haitian people and lays the groundwork for long-term stability and prosperity. “We remain committed to supporting the Haitian government’s investigation into the assassination of Jovenel Moïse, expanding COVID-19 vaccination efforts and working with the Haitian National Police to promote security and the rule of law. “Also in coordinating with the international community to establish the conditions necessary for Haitians to vote as soon as feasible,” said a press release by the US Department of State. Haiti has appointed a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, less than two weeks after Moise’s assassination. Henry was sworn in during a ceremony in the capital Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, the same day that official commemorations were held to honour Moïse. The country’s acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph said earlier this week that he would step down "for the good of the nation" after a key group of international diplomats on Saturday came out in support of Henry and urged him to form a new government. Moïse was shot dead at his residence earlier on July 7. His wife, Martine, was wounded and airlifted to a US hospital. The police said that they had identified 28 suspects. The US also called on all Haitians to work together to maintain peace, and the US will continue to support the Haitian people as they strive to build a stable, prosperous, and democratic country. -- BERNAMA