Haiti Sanctions Resolution: Explanation of Vote
Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations
Thank you, Mr. President,
Kenya thanks the Penholders, Mexico and the United States of America, for their concerted and consultative effort in drafting the resolution that has just been adopted. Kenya voted for the resolution after making every effort to ensure that it had a review mechanism and targeted those compromising Haiti's peace.
We thank the penholders and other members for welcoming the A3's proposals.
This new resolution is one of the most tangible measures the Security Council has taken recently. It represents a first real step upon which to build, in the search for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Haitian crisis. It is a strong signal of the Council's determination to stand with the people of Haiti against the gangs and their sponsors.
Kenya welcomes specific and measurable benchmarks for the review of these sanctions. Such benchmarks will enable the Security Council to assess progress with a view to adjust the measures progressively as the situation improves. I congratulate the Council for including this mechanism and urge it to do the same in other files.
The implementation of these sanctions will rely heavily on the cooperation and support of the international community, particularly regional states. It will require information sharing and coordination to ensure that those responsible for the suffering of Haitian citizens are held accountable.
Further assistance to strengthen the capacity of Haitian institutions remains critical. In this regard, we welcome and support the recent initiatives by CARICOM and other friends of Haiti.
We reiterate our strong support for a Haitian-led and Haitian-owned solution to the current political crisis. We have confidence that despite their divergent views, the Haitian political leaders will find the will to build consensus and chart a viable way forward. Kenya will continue to take keen interest on Haiti and offer every support within our means even after our tenure in the Council ends in December.
I reaffirm Kenya's solidarity with the great people of Haiti and our commitment to the protection of Haiti's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.