The following is the text of a joint statement by the United States, the
      Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS)
      and Canada, issued at Washington, D.C. on February 13, 2004:
 
      “We have met today to coordinate efforts to support a peaceful,
      negotiated, democratic, and constitutional resolution to the political
      crisis in Haiti.  We share deep concern over the suffering of the people
      of Haiti, and deplore the loss of life that has occurred in the latest
      wave of violence and lawlessness.  We condemn such violence and call on
      the Government of Haiti to respect the rights, especially the human
      rights, of all citizens and residents of Haiti, and call on all Haitians
      to respect the rule of law.  We call also on the Government of Haiti and
      on all others to ensure that supplies of fuel, food and medicines are able
      to reach the people who need them throughout the country.
 
      “We urge the Government of Haiti to implement the actions to which it has
      committed itself under OAS Resolutions 806, 822, and 1959, and as
      reiterated by its adherence to the current initiative begun by the
      Caribbean Community.  Only through urgent implementation of the
      confidence-building measures outlined in these documents can consensus be
      built to allow a resolution of Haiti’s political crisis, in accordance
      with the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
 
      “We call specifically on the political opposition and civil society to act
      responsibly, refrain from violence and fulfill their responsibilities and
      engage in the democratic process in accordance with the CARICOM proposal.

      “As the Government of Haiti moves forward on these measures, the
      international community will undertake renewed efforts to restore the rule
      of law, including professionalization of the Haitian National Police.
      Through these steps, we expect all Haitians to be able to again enjoy
      their constitutionally-mandated freedoms and participate meaningfully in
      the democratic process.”
      [End]