Following the invitation of President Martelly formulated during his European tour in February https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-10608-haiti-politic-end-of-the-european-tour-of-president-martelly.html c

After discussions with the Head of State and attended the signing ceremony of the National Indicative Programme 2014-2020, of an amount of € 420 million, program that favors four areas: road infrastructure, education, food security and the reform of public administration,

before to participate in the evening to an official dinner with the Head of State ; Herman Van Rompuy declared in a joint press conference :

Extracts from the statement by the President of the European Council :

"[...] In our conversation, the President Martelly and I have reviewed the various components of our bilateral relationship. We discussed the progress of political and economic reforms. The President explained the progress made along its mandate to finalize the reconstruction and economic recovery. I will have the opportunity tomorrow [Saturday] to visit several development projects that will allow me to better understand the progress and challenges.

[...] I also discussed with the President of the perspectives for move forward democracy and the rule of law in your country. I welcomed in this regard the decision to hold the elections, municipal and local before the end of the year to ensure the continuity and proper functioning of political institutions. I indicated to President Martelly the availability of the European Union to support the preparation of the elections, including through a contribution of €5 million managed by the United Nations for this purpose. We discussed the importance of continuing the dialogue with the opposition to reach a consensual electoral reform and respectful of constitutional provisions and international standards.

I also congratulated the President Martelly for the constructive position adopted by Haiti regarding the differences with the Dominican Republic, and for having associated the European Union to the high-level dialogue in progress. A trilateral meeting with Presidents Martelly and Medina is scheduled this July 22 in Punta Cana. It emphasizes the common desire to transform these differences in an additional opportunity for mutual understanding and cooperation.

[...] the Caribbean Regional integration is an advanced experience that is already bearing fruit. This is the only way to ensure that the states of the region can cope effectively with the challenges of development, climate change or fight against organized crime they face. It is also the construction of a space that is gaining strength by pooling services and capabilities, by creating networks.

[...] Finally, I wish to renew my thanks to President Martelly for its hospitality. I also renew my confidence in the efforts that he is currently conducting for political, economic and social recovery. The European Union is committed to supporting you to ensure a better future for all people of Haiti."

HL/ HaitiLibre