Leahy Urges That U.S. Take Appropriate Steps, Including Review of Visa Access For Haitian Officials Who May Have Been Involved in Election Fraud, on Behalf of Fair and Untainted Certifications of the Recent Parliamentary Elections

WASHINGTON,  April 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the text of a letter sent Friday to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on State Department and Foreign Operations that handles U.S. foreign assistance. Leahy, who visited Haiti last month, urges appropriate steps to signal to Haitian authorities U.S. concern that results of Haiti's recent legislative elections be fairly resolved and certified.

April 29, 2011
The Honorable Hillary Clinton
Secretary of State
Department of State
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Madam Secretary:

When I was in Haiti recently I heard many people remark that the Haitian people deserve a government that cares more about the people than itself. I could not agree more. And if the United States is to effectively help Haiti rebuild, we need confidence that the Haitian government has the trust and support of its people.

The Provisional Electoral Council's unexplained reversal of preliminary results in 18 parliamentary races is alarming. Haiti's future depends on a Parliament that is recognized as legitimate. Given the support the United States has provided to the government and people of Haiti in this election and the failure to promptly remedy this apparent fraud, I am writing to urge the Department to take appropriate steps to convey our concern, including assessing the visa suitability and the lawful permanent status in the United States of Haitians officials who may be involved in election fraud. It is critical that the outcome of the electoral process is recognized as free and fair by the international community and, most importantly, by the Haitian people.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
PATRICK LEAHY
Chairman
State and Foreign Operations
Subcommittee

SOURCE Office of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy