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Bill Clinton begins duties as special envoy to Haiti
CMC
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
UNITED NATIONS (CMC) - The recently appointed United Nations Special Envoy to Haiti, former United States President Bill Clinton, yesterday began his first visit to the French-speaking Caribbean country in his new capacity.
During his three-day visit, Clinton is expected to meet with a series of senior government officials to discuss how best the international community can support their efforts to better prepare for hurricanes, generate new jobs and enhance the delivery of basic social services, the UN said.
"He is also going to examine how the UN, civil society and the international donor community can better align their efforts with the Haitian government's recovery plan and with each other," it said.
Earlier this month, Clinton laid out his vision to advance development in Haiti, stating that Haiti, more than ever before, has an opportunity to progress.
"Haiti, notwithstanding the total devastation wreaked by the four storms last year, has the best chance to escape the darker aspects of its history in the 35 years that I have been going there," he said.
Clinton has already visited Haiti this year, but the UN said this will be his first trip to the impoverished country since his appointment as an envoy by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in May.
In March, the two men visited Haiti together to assess the situation in the wake of the devastating hurricanes that struck in quick succession in 2008.
Ban said no one was better placed for the mission to Haiti, stating that he knows the country well and the people love him.
"This is the strong wish of the Haitian people and the Haitian Government and myself as secretary general," he said.
The UN secretary general said Haiti was at a "turning point", adding that it has a real chance for stability and potential prosperity.
Clinton said that what he wanted to do first was to follow the plan Haiti has set out for its recovery and its future.
"All I want to do is help the Haitians take over control of their own destiny," he said. "It's all I have ever wanted for Haiti."
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