Haitian presidential commission suggests sweeping changes to address political crisis
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Version 0 of 1. MIAMI — A Haitian presidential commission is recommending sweeping changes, including a new prime minister and government to stabilize the country. It also asks President Michel Martelly to abandon plans to govern by decree. Haitian lawmakers Tuesday rebuffed recommendations in a far-reaching report that called for the resignation of Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe and other key government officials to stave off a worsening political crisis. The 10-page report, penned by an 11-member presidential commission, sets a timetable for Lamothe’s resignation. It also recommends replacing the head of the country’s Supreme Court and members of the body charged with organizing long-delayed elections. Dozens who have been arbitrarily arrested and deemed by human rights groups to be political prisoners should be released, the report said. The recommendations are “calming measures” intended to show the will of Haiti’s leaders to reduce the tensions in the country, the commission said. Parliamentarians on both sides of the political divide strongly disagreed with the report. “It’s asking for too much,” said Deputy Abel Descolines, a pro-government lawmaker and first secretary of the Chamber of Deputies. “We believe the better alternative is to have a real institutional dialogue.” The signed recommendations were officially handed to Martelly on Tuesday in a ceremony on the grounds of the demolished presidential palace in the presence of foreign diplomats, who have been pressuring Haiti’s politicians to resolve the crisis. Martelly said he plans to address the nation within two to three days about the report’s recommendations. The commission, made up by respected members of Haitian society, was Martelly’s idea. He announced it Nov. 28 at the end of another day of violent protests. |