Bob Dole: “this week marks the final withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from Haiti. It is an appropriate time to ask, ``What…”

“this week marks the final withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from Haiti. It is an appropriate time to ask, ``What did our second intervention of the century in Haiti achieve?'' Congress and the American people were deeply divided over the wisdom of Operation Uphold Democracy. Many of us were concerned that the American intervention to restore President Aristide would not lead to lasting and durable change in Haiti. Unfortunately, it is now clear that U.S. policy has not achieved its stated goals of establishing a rule of law, fostering genuine democratic change, and creating sustainable economic development. A bicameral staff delegation visited Haiti over the April recess and has completed a report which details serious failures of American policy-- failures in each of the three critical areas of politics, security, and the economy. Human Rights The report concludes that the Clinton administration and the United States Embassy have not taken human rights seriously in Haiti.”