Shuttle Diplomacy in Haiti.

• Author: Conaway, Janelle
• Position: Brief Article

SECRETARY GENERAL Cesar Gaviria has made several trips to Haiti in the months since the General Assembly instructed him to increase efforts to help resolve the political crisis in that country.

In a preliminary report to the Permanent Council on July 11, he expressed "cautious optimism" that the parties would reach agreement on establishing a "credible, independent and neutral" Provisional Electoral Council and holding new legislative elections. The current controversy in Haiti, which began with disputed legislative elections last year, has resulted in a cutoff of international aid to the country.

During its June 3-5 session in Costa Rica, the General Assembly reiterated its "deep concern at the continuing political crisis," noting that "persistent mistrust among political actors continues to hinder the possibility of wide-ranging talks that would bring about a sustainable solution to the problems arising from the 21 May 2000 legislative elections."

Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, in a letter to the General Assembly, had proposed several steps for resolving the crisis, including a timetable for new elections, but the Haitian opposition subsequently rejected that proposal.

Working closely with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Gaviria has been mediating talks between the...