Sen. Bob Graham: “Madam President today I once again rise to condemn the intransigence of the coup leaders in Haiti and the continued…”

“Madam President today I once again rise to condemn the intransigence of the coup leaders in Haiti and the continued failure of the United States and the world community to restore democracy to that beleaguered country. Six months ago, I visited Haiti to meet with government officials and members of the military about the country's prospects for democracy. The mood in Port Au Prince in early October was one of growing despair. The U.S.S. Harlan County, a U.S. ship with military trainers, Seabees, and the Corps of Engineers was supposed to dock that day and facilitate Haiti's transition to democracy. But due to the failure of the Haitian military to meet its commitment to provide adequate security for our troops and dockage for the Harlan County, that single symbol of hope, sat helplessly off shore, while prospects for a peaceful restoration of President Jean Bertrand Aristide faded away. I met with several members of the civilian government during my 2-day visit, including Justice Minister Guy Malary and Prime Minister Robert Malval. Both were discouraged and rightfully so. Every hour brought new reports of terrorism. At dinner, my conversation with Malval was cut short by a call from his wife, who reported gun shots in the neighborhood and begged him to come home. Today, 6 months later, conditions in Haiti could not be worse. Malary is dead, killed 3 days after our dinner by armed thugs as he drove to work.”