Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Representative to the United Nations
New York, New York
July 14, 2021
AS DELIVERED
Good morning. Madam President, Deputy Secretary-General, I am equally honored and saddened to deliver the statement on behalf of the United States in its capacity as host country.
I join my distinguished colleagues here today in expressing our shock, and sadness, and strong condemnation over the horrific assassination on July 7 of President Jovenel Moïse and the attack on First Lady Martine Moïse. I only just met them in Ecuador in May. We wish the First Lady a full recovery and extend our sincere condolences to the Moïse family and to the Haitian people.
We urge all political parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to work together to prioritize calm and stability. At this challenging and most difficult time, I want to assure the Haitian people that our partnership with you will continue.
In recent days, a U.S. government delegation traveled to Haiti in response to the Haitian government’s request for security and investigative assistance following the assassination. Our delegation reaffirmed not only its close partnership with Haiti, but also its commitment to working in support of the Haitian people and democratic governance, peace, and security. We encouraged all parties to engage in open and constructive dialogue to reach a political accord, which could enable free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections to be held. Preserving and reaffirming Haiti’s democratic institutions will be critical to restoring confidence and peace.
And I want to underscore that the United States stands with the Haitian people as they strive to build a safer, more democratic country. After so many years of turmoil, this is what the Haitian people need, and this is what they deserve.
Thank you very much.
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