Clinton: Haitian People Need To Be "Heard And Respected"

By Rachel Christiansen

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived Sunday in Haiti for a brief visit with the current President Rene Preval as well as the three candidates vying to replace him.

Clinton said the purpose of her visit was to show continuing support for the Haitian people and to ensure the votes of the Haitian people are “heard and respected.” 

The U.S. is supporting an Organization of American States’ recommendation that suggests the candidate from Preval’s party, Jude Celestin, should be left out in favor of populist rival Michael Martelly. 

Clinton clarified rumors that the U.S. would cut off aid to Haiti if OAS recommendations were not implemented, saying there are not currently any circumstances for such an embargo to happen. 

“We have a deep commitment to the Haitian people, that goes to humanitarian aid, governance and democracy programs,” Clinton said. 

The Secretary also visited a cholera treatment facility, where she was told the cholera situation is “improving.”