Chinese envoy stresses importance of arms embargo on Haitian gangs

UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese envoy on Monday stressed the importance of an arms embargo on Haitian gangs.

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, welcomed the expansion of the arms embargo to include all gangs in Haiti by the UN Security Council in its just adopted Resolution 2699.

Previously, the arms embargo targeted only designated individuals and entities.

"This is a very important decision. If the Security Council had taken this step at an earlier time, the security situation in Haiti might not have deteriorated to what it is today," said Zhang in an explanation of vote.

From now on, all countries are obligated to take concrete actions in accordance with this resolution to contribute to curbing gang violence in Haiti and protecting the safety of lives of the Haitian people, he said.

Resolution 2699 also authorized the deployment of a multinational security force for Haiti. The resolution was supported by 13 of the 15 members of the Security Council. China and Russia abstained.

Zhang explained that China has always been cautious about the invocation of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which authorizes the use of force.

"Proceeding from the principles of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, China has always taken a cautious and responsible approach on the Security Council's invocation of Chapter VII on the authorization of the use of force. In previous practices, there have been precedents of abusing Chapter VII authorization," he said.

However, China did not obstruct the adoption of the resolution given the current security situation in Haiti and the concerns and appeals of the international community, he said.

In accordance with Resolution 2699, China hopes that the countries leading the multinational security force will hold in-depth consultations with Haiti on the specific arrangements for the deployment of the mission, with a view to reaching agreement and ensuring that these arrangements will be supported by the Haitian people, said Zhang.

Zhang also emphasized the importance of improved governance in Haiti.

"Without a legitimate, effective, and responsible government in place, any external support can hardly have any lasting effects. The Haitian authorities and all parties and factions should reach the broadest possible consensus on transitional arrangements as soon as possible and come up with a feasible and credible timetable. Regrettably, the resolution just adopted fails to send the strongest signal in that regard," he said.

China urges the Haitian authorities and all parties and factions to respond positively to the mediation efforts by the Caribbean Community and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, work in the fundamental interests of the people, demonstrate sincerity for dialogue and assume their responsibilities, so as to create conditions conducive for the early holding of free and fair elections, he said.

The multiple crises in Haiti are intertwined, of which security issues are only one dimension. Therefore, a holistic approach is required to find a comprehensive solution. China looks forward to working with the international community and Security Council members to assist and support the Haitian people in finding the right path out of their crises, he said.