Rubio says US backs Haiti mission but more needed
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AFP) — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that the United States backed an international security mission in Haiti but wanted a broader solution in the troubled country that includes economic stimulus.
On a visit to the neighboring Dominican Republic, Rubio said he called President William Ruto of Kenya, which leads the multinational force, to voice appreciation.
“I think it’s also important to note, however, that that mission as currently constructed will not be enough,” Rubio told reporters.
The mission “needs to find new direction in order to be successful at rooting out armed groups that today have taken possession of large portion of Haitian territory,” he said.
He called for a focus on “what we can be doing now to set the stage for an economic renaissance that allows the people of Haiti to live in peace and prosperity.”
Rubio signed waivers to a sweeping ban on aid by President Donald Trump to allow assistance to the multinational force.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, speaking next to Rubio, voiced hope for more international support for the mission.
“Haiti is drowning, while a significant part of the international community passively watches from the shore,” he said.
“In the case of Haiti, the leadership of the United States is indispensable and irreplaceable,” he said.
