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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmemo -1CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO : FROM : Honorable Mayor Diaz and Members of the City Commission Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Commissioner DATE : SUBJECT: REFERENCES: April 22, 2004 FILE : U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Westem Hemisphere Affairs By this memorandum, I am respectfully requesting to discuss the following resolution as a pocket item: A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO WORK WITH THE U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WESTERN HEMISPHERE AFFAIRS, THE HONORABLE ROGER F. NORIEGA FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPORTING THE U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT'S BUREAU FOR LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN TO PROVIDE FULL FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL CITY SERVICES SUPPORT (POLICE, FIRE, SOLID WASTE AND OTHER RELATED DEPARTMENTS) FOR THE CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE ON THE REBUILDING OF HAITI SCHEDULED FOR MAY 2004; FURTHER ASKING THAT THE CITY MANAGER IDENTIFY FACILITIES AND FUNDING SOURCES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY ACTIVITIES PREVIOUSLY DESIGNATED FOR SPECIAL SUPPORT OF THE HAITIAN COMMUNITY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PROVIDE "IN KIND" PERSONNEL, VENUES AND PROTOCOL SUPPORT FOR THE ONE (1) DAY CONFERENCE; FURTHER ASKING THE CITY MANAGER TO CONTACT DIRECTLY THE U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE (HONORABLE ROGER F. NORIEGA) ATTENTION: SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR DIBENIGNO. Thank you. Cc: Alejandro Vilarello, City Attorney Priscilla Thompson, City Clerk �• DZPrFT Activity Description Consultative Conference on Rebuilding Haiti May 2004 PURPOSE: The purpose of this activity is to provide logistical and implementation support for the U.S. Agency for International Development's Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, Consultative Conference on the Rebuilding of Haiti to be held on May 2004. The goal of the conference is to gather together in Miami, Florida, with members of the Haitian diaspora to discuss the role of the diaspora in the rebuilding of Haiti. AGENDA 7:30 Continental Breakfast 8:00 — 9:00 Speakers (need to decide who speaks, order) Adolfo Franco David Adams Rep. Ken Meek Rep. Lincoln Diaz Balart Rep. Mario Diaz Balart Rep. lliana Ros Lehtinen Rep. E. Clay Shaw, Jr. Rep. Mark Foley (leading a mission to Haiti 4/23?) Rep. Cass Balanger (also part of mission) Gov. Jeb Bush Sen. Mike DeWine Sen. Bill Nelson Marie Bell (Facilitator) Some of the above can be special guests and introduced only for lack of time. 9:00 — 9:15 Break 9:00 — 11:00 Breakout Sessions 11:00 — 11:15 Break 11:15 — 12:30 Plenary Session. Readouts of Sessions 12:30 p.m. Closing/Summary/Announceables 1:00 p.m. Press Conference APR 2, 9. 71104 Breakout Sessions Democracy Job Creation Judicial Reform Legislative Reform Institution Building Elections Police Reform Economic Growth Job Creation Investment of Haitian -American Diaspora International Donors Education Literacy Adult Education Health HIV -AIDS Primary Care Infrastructure Water/sewer Power generators Communication Roads Affordable Housing Haitian -American Diaspora in Haiti Investments in Haiti Volunteer Activities Medical Rotation Coordination of international donors Others Agronomy/Agriculture 040406 Haiti Weekly Report Political Developments April 5, Secretary Powell visited Haiti. The Secretary met with Prime Minister Latortue and other Haitian leaders. Secretary Powell stated that there was an opportunity now for the Haitian people to make a new beginning. He stressed that violent criminals had no place in Haiti's political life. Secretary Powell announced several measures the United States will take to help Haiti: The U.S. plans immediately to deploy a seven - member team to advise the Interim Government on security issues. The U.S. will begin an urgent three-year jobs program, which will provide tens of thousands of jobs to improve municipal infrastructure and create jobs in Port-au-Prince, Cap Haitien, Gonaives and other locations as needed. The project will rehabilitate schools and public buildings destroyed by rioting and burning; build or rehabilitate roads; and, improve community water supplies. The United States will allocate $9 million for elections and democracy building to support activities of the OAS Special Mission for Strengthening Democracy in Haiti. This money is in addition to the special voluntary contribution of $4.9 million recently given to the Special Mission. The U.S. Treasury Department will send an assessment team in mid -April to determine the technical assistance needed by the Ministry of Finance of the Haitian government. The United States is prepared to assist Haitian authorities in the recovery of assets that may have been illicitly diverted. The U.S. will seek to expand our humanitarian development programs to ensure that the medical and nutritional needs of Haiti's most disadvantaged people are met. March 31, Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, introduced The Haiti Economic Recovery Opportunity Act in the U.S. Senate promoting trade with Haiti. March 30, UN envoy Reginald Dumas told reporters that 10 international missions to Haiti in the last decade had failed because there was no sustained commitment. "We cannot continue with the start - stop cycle that has characterized relations between the international community and Haiti. You go in, you spend a couple of years, you leave, the Haitians are not necessarily involved and the whole thing collapses. This has to stop," Dumas said he told the council. "There has to be a long-term commitment, which I perceive the council is ready and willing to give," Dumas said, adding that he thinks it should be "not less than 20 years." The United Nations has raised about a quarter of the $35 million in emergency relief requested for Haiti. Security Developments Strength of Multinational Interim Force (MIF) as of April 6, 2004: US* 2117 French 919 Canadian 524 Chilean 329 Total 3889 * Number of US contingent does not include units or civilian security agents deployed to protect the US Mission, et al. Deployments continuing. Total end strength will depend on the ongoing evaluation of the security situation. Civil Developments April 5, The Asia Pacific Media Network reported that Haitian Radio stations, important sources of news in a country where few people own televisions, are gradually returning to the airwaves after many had been forced to shut down by the recent violence or years of intimidation by Aristide supporters. 4. Remarks with Prime Minister Gerard Latortue of Haiti Page 1 of 4 Remarks with Prime Minister Gerard Latortue of Haiti After Their Meeting Secretary Colin L. Powell Port-au-Prince Airport Port-au-Prince, Haiti April 5, 2004 PRIME MINISTER LATORTUE: (Via translator.) I am very happy that we are all here today to welcome Secretary of State Colin Powell this morning and I'm glad that you are all here so that we can wish him together a Happy Birthday because it is his anniversary today. We've just had a head -to -head talk together, and we covered three main issues that basically comprised the interface between the United States and Haiti. The first question that we discussed was the security issue. The police issue revolves around new training for police officers that were there, as well as employing new personnel and basically find equipment for the police force. We must emphasize that the real security issue for us is the violence. We are asking that people with armed guns refrain from using them, and because you cannot have access to political process nor power through use of guns and/or violence. And we are totally against violence. We talked among ourselves upon security issues regarding the airport and terrorism. We knew that Haiti was not an area where there is much order, much law, and therefore, the terrorists could easily take over the space and the facilities or the country itself to establish their terrorist acts. We talked with the United States Govemment also about taking steps and measures against narcotic trafficking and money laundering. We asked also of the United States and its armed forces that they help us in other civic duties such as garbage cleaning up, road construction, and other civic form of activities. I gave the Secretary of State an economic briefing on the state of affairs regarding economics in Haiti. The country is in a state of total bankruptcy and totally destroyed. The state is totally demolished. The gang that we had before left the country with absolutely nothing. The situation left by those that were there before is absolutely total, left nothing behind, including the contents of the vaults of the Central Bank. They cleaned up everything as though they were an army running away. We also asked the Secretary of State, while discussing economic affairs, and waiting on the decisions of the international donors to assist us in some of the most urgent tasks at hand, particularly creating opportunity and economic jobs in the distressed areas such as Cite Soleil, Raboteau and (inaudible) La Fossette, and all of these areas, very impoverished areas of the main cities. What we talked about in the defense of the private sector's interests is the Hero Act. The Hero Act is something that we are discussing that favors, in fact, some of the activities of the private sector. The last thing we talked about regarding the economic aspects of our cooperation is corruption. We intend to establish an anti -corruption unit within the administration. The third thing we discussed is the democratic process and how it is going on in Haiti today. I was happy that last night, I was the first to sign, with the political parties, the civil society groups, a convention, an agreement, in how this process should go on, go forward. Secretary Powell is the first person to whom I explained this, because we just signed this last night. And 1 spoke to him, too, right after Easter, we will be setting up the Provisional Electoral Council, right after Easter. One of the things we assured the Secretary of State is that whether you were a former official, a minister, a http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/31186pf.htm 4/20/04 Remarks with Prime Minister Gerard Latortue of Haiti Page 2 of 4 secretary, in the present govemment, you will not be allowed to participate in the political process coming up. We have also agreed that no one in this govemment or in the former govemment will participate in the administration as long as they have relinquished violence, use of guns and corruption. Another aspects of the document that we signed yesterday with the other parties and the civil society was the length of the transitional period of this govemment. Everyone agreed that all the elections consisting of the electoral process will take place during the year 2005, that is, municipal elections, legislative elections and so on. Some people agree that 15 days after the elections of the president, he should be instated into power. Others think, no, we ought to follow the constitutional prescriptions and have the president take office on the 7th of February, 2006. One of the four most important points that we discussed, the Secretary and myself, was to put an end to corruption. That's number one. I have discussed with the Secretary of State the forthcoming meeting on the 22nd of April with the other donors that will be involved in the assistance with Haiti and set the date for the meeting of the donor countries by June of this year. One of the things we are going to put in place in this govemment is a Commission of Truth and Reconciliation and Justice as it had occurred in South Africa when Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela were part of that committee. And the last point is the Provisional Electoral Council that we will have set up by then so that it will begin work right after April, Easter. Thank you. SECRETARY POWELL: Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister, for hosting me today. On behalf of President Bush and the American people, I have come to Port-au-Prince to demonstrate America's support for Haiti. Our purpose is to help the people and the leadership of Haiti make a new beginning and to build a future of hope for the Haitian people. I look forward to meeting with President Alexandre later today and to thank him for the important role that he played in preserving constitutional orders, following the resignation and departure of Mr. Aristide. It was only six weeks ago that Haiti was on the verge of total security collapse. On that last weekend in February, I believe, we prevented a bloodbath from happening. President Alexandre played an historic role in assuming constitutional responsibilities as the interim President of Haiti. And I want to express my admiration and thanks to the Prime Minister for his willingness to step forward and serve his people at this time of crisis and time of challenge. As you heard from the Prime Minister, we had a very full and comprehensive discussion and I am impressed by the commitment that he has brought to his tasks. We talked about the ending of corruption and putting in place someone and a committee that will go after those who are guilty of corruption to make sure it does not occur in the future government. As he noted, we talked about truth and reconciliation. We talked about what has to be done to get Haiti's economy started again and to create jobs, and we also talked about the important job needed to put the country back on a constitutional footing completely with new elections in 2005. And I also said to the Prime Minister in the course of our discussions that I will be working hard to reintegrate Haiti into the CARICOM community in the months ahead. And I assured the Prime Minister on all the issues that he has mentioned to you today, the United States will be providing him full support. I want to take this occasion to thank our partners in the Multinational Force: France, Canada and Chile. Thank them for their swift and humane response to the needs of the Haitian people. We will be hard at work in the weeks ahead with the United Nations to put in place a peacekeeping force that will eventually replace the Multilateral Force. To support the political process that the Prime Minister touched on a minute ago, I am pleased to announce today the release of $9 million to the OAS Special Mission with the purpose of strengthening democracy in Haiti. And I also want to endorse again what the President said, that service in the Haitian government, including in its security forces and participation in the political process, should be open to all Haitians who reject violence and who are committed to democracy. http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/31186pf.htm 4/20/04 -Remarks with Prime Minister Gerard Latortue of Haiti Page 3 of 4 We also discussed the importance of getting guns off the street and out of the villages, getting guns out of the hands of thugs and criminals, because without disarmament, Haiti's democracy will remain at risk. And we call on all armed groups to lay down their weapons and allow the duly constituted authorities to impose the rule of law. The United States will do everything we can in the months ahead to help the interim govemment. We plan to spend $55 million in economic and humanitarian assistance in Haiti during this fiscal year. And we will be working with the World Bank and the Inter -American Development Bank to get Haiti the resources that it needs so badly. We know that the European Union and other friendly nations around the world are eager to contribute to Haiti's development. Today, the Haitian people have a chance for a new beginning. On behalf of President Bush and the American people, I urge the proud people of Haiti to live together in peace. Seize this new chance to put your country firmly on the path of democracy and prosperity. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. QUESTION: The American authorities have set forward the idea, the possibility of prosecuting or bringing to justice the former President Aristide. Should the investigation reveal that Mr. Aristide was tied to drugs, will you expedite extradition for him to stand charges? SECRETARY POWELL: There are inquiries being made by our judicial authorities in the United States to see if there is any evidence of wrongdoing on his part. I will have to wait until our legal authorities and our investigators are finished before offering any comment on what he might be charged with, if anything, or what action might be taken by the Haitian Govemment. My principal focus and the principal focus of the United States Government really, though, is on the future, not on the past. QUESTION: Did you seek assurances from the Prime Minister that criminal elements and human rights violators would be prosecuted (inaudible)? SECRETARY POWELL: The Prime Minister offered those assurances at the very beginning of our conversation and I was pleased to receive them. QUESTION: Was there any discussion of names of people who could be exduded? SECRETARY POWELL: No. But I'm sure in the — as we go forward — any names that are known to us of individuals who have been involved in wrongdoing or acts of violence we will make known to the Haitian Govemment. QUESTION: According to the Haitian constitution, the elections are to be performed in 90 days. And the Prime Minister said that all elections will be held in 2005. What is the position of the United States regarding the elections? And from the reports that you have gotten from the intemational force, which feedback, which information have you gotten from them during the time that they have been here, which is about a month? PRIME MINISTER LARTORTUE: I think you all heard what I said. It was a political agreement that we had signed last night. I think all political parties agree that the elections cannot be held within the next 90 days. In effect, it is the essence of that agreement that we have had. They all understand that it is just impossible to have it in 90 days. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, what is your response to the — CARICOM for a UN inquiry into the circumstances of President Aristide's departure? Short of that, what is the prospect of getting a wider international support from the UN? SECRETARY POWELL: I don't think any purpose would be served by such an inquiry. I think the facts are very well known, that on that evening, the situation was deteriorating rapidly in the country and especially in Port-au-Prince. We were on the verge of a bloodbath and President Aristide found himself in great danger. He got in touch with our Ambassador and arrangements were made at his request for him to depart the country. He drafted, wrote, signed his letter of resignation all by himself and then voluntarily departed with his wife and his own personal security force. And we were able to provide transportation for him to depart and now I think it is important for all of us to focus on what the Haitian people need now, not what happened in the past. Did I get it all, John, or... QUESTION: The prospects for international contributions. hffn.//www state onv/sprre.tarv/rm/R 1 1 R6nf.htm 4/20/04 •Remarks with Prime Minister Gerard Latortue of Haiti Page 4 of 4 SECRETARY POWELL: I'm sorry. I think the prospects are good for intemational contributions to the peacekeeping force. We've had a number of countries that have expressed an interest in providing peacekeepers, and the UN peacekeeping team has been here to examine the situation and is writing the report back in New York now and I hope to speak to Kofi Annan in the near future. Thank you. 2004/380 [End] Released on April 6, 2004 httn://www.state.aov/secretary/rm/31186n£htm 4/70/04