Haiti - USA : Statement by Brian A. Nichols on gang violence
"The United States strongly condemns ongoing gang violence in Port-au-Prince aimed at destabilizing the Government. The MSS mission and Haitian police are conducting joint operations and have managed to protect residents of several areas, repel gangs, capture weapons and eliminate multiple gang members.
We stand with the Haitian people, the Haitian National Police, and the MSS mission, including the brave efforts of the Kenyan, Jamaican, Belizean, and Bahamian forces, in their efforts to restore security. Individuals who aim to destabilize Haiti for personal gain should be more concerned for Haiti and its people.
Those responsible will be held to account by Haitian and international authorities.
As raised with the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) and Prime Minister, now is the time for Haitian national unity in the international fight against the gangs. Now is not the time for political infighting. We strongly support the efforts of Prime Minister Conille and his cabinet in advancing the national priorities established by the CPT," Brian A. Nichols, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
