16 February 2016•Update: 16 February 2016
By Senabri Silvestre
SANTO DOMINGO, Dom. Rep.
A group of international observers Monday welcomed the appointment of an interim leader in Haiti but encouraged all parties to complete an electoral process within the timeframes set out by an agreement.
Members of the Core Group -- composed of ambassadors form Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, the U.S., the European Union and the Special Representative of the Organization of American States -- encouraged all stakeholders to abide by the accord signed earlier this month between Haiti’s executive and legislative branches to ensure the stability in the country’s institutions.
The election of Jocelerme Privert by the National Assembly shows the determination of the Haitian authorities to provide the country with stable and legitimate institutions through peaceful dialogue, according to the European Union.
“This political stability is essential to ensure the safety of citizens and to commit the country in the urgent reforms”, the EU said.
The UN said it was confident in Haiti’s stabilization and that the democratic process would continue in a peaceful and collaborative manner.
"We reiterate our confidence in all stakeholders to continue to uphold the best interests of Haiti and its people in a spirit of dialogue and compromise while completing this political agreement in a peaceful climate -- free from violence," it said.
The head of Haiti’s Senate, Privert, was elected Sunday to lead the country for the next 120 days.
In a deal reached with the former president a day before he left office earlier this month, the interim leader is expected to be concentrate on organizing a second round of presidential and legislatives elections, scheduled for April 24.
He also has to choose a prime minister by consensus.
Haiti has been wrecked by deadly political violence since results of elections in October were questioned with accusations of voter fraud.
