United States (US) Secretary of State Antony J Blinken has said the formation of Haiti’s interim government is a positive and necessary step to respond to the Haitian people’s needs and begin restoring Haiti’s democratic institutions.
“The United States, together with the international community, urges Haiti’s political and civil society leaders to continue to work together to advance a broad and inclusive dialogue that responds to the needs of the Haitian people and lays the groundwork for long-term stability and prosperity,” he is quoted as saying by CMC.
Dr. Ariel Henry became the country’s seventh prime minister on Tuesday.
The 71-year-old neurosurgeon will lead the impoverished nation until September 26 when the presidential and legislative elections are due to be held.
The developments come after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7 at his residence in Port-au-Prince. His wife was also injured during the shooting. More than 30 people, mainly Colombians, have been arrested in connection with his killing.
Dr. Henry has already named his 18-member Cabinet which includes Claude Joseph Moïse had replaced two days before his death.
According to CMC, Blinken said the US remains committed to supporting the Haitian government’s investigation into Moïse’s assassination, expanding COVID-19 vaccination efforts, working with the Haitian National Police to promote security and the rule of law, and coordinating with the international community to establish the conditions necessary for Haitians to vote as soon as feasible.
“We call on all Haitians to work together to maintain peace and will continue to support the Haitian people as they strive to build a stable, prosperous, and democratic country,” Blinken said.
