Historic Agreement

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, (CMC) – Haiti’s politicians have put aside their differences and signed an agreement ending apolitical impasse that had threatened to delay the holding of elections in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

The accord, signed over the weekend will now allow for legislative and local elections.

It was signed by President Michel Martelly, Senator Steven Benoit, who was mandated to sign on behalf of the president of the Senate now travelling to Europe, and by more than 50 parties of different political affiliations which were part of the talks held under the mediation of the first Haitian Cardinal, Chibly Langlois.

However, three political parties, including the Lavalas Family party of former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, had withdrawn from the talks because they wanted the departure of the entire government. Aristide’s party is also engaged in a movement to try to force President Martelly from power.

President Martelly described the accord as a victory for democracy and highlighted the historical aspect of the political deal which is the result of intense negotiations which have involved only Haitian nationals.

“I am happy to sign this agreement which is historical in the sense that we had never seen rival political actors gather together, without any international involvement, to discuss and find solutions to our differences, for the common good,” Martelly told reporters.