Canada welcomes Haitian PM's appointment
OTTAWA (AFP) — Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier on Tuesday welcomed the nomination of a new Haitian prime minister after his predecessor was ousted over soaring food and fuel prices.
"Canada welcomes this first step in forming a new government in Haiti, in keeping with the provisions of the Haitian constitution," Bernier said in a statement.
On Sunday, President Rene Preval chose Ericq Pierre, 63, a respected Haitian economist with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Washington, to be the country's prime minister.
The appointment comes two weeks after his predecessor was ousted over rocketing food and fuel prices that sparked violent demonstrations claiming several lives.
"As I observed during my visit to Haiti, good governance and respect for democratic principles will be necessary for continuing stabilization and reconstruction in Haiti," said Bernier.
"Canada urges the Haitian authorities to continue their efforts to establish an effective and transparent government, one that will contribute to strengthening governance, revitalizing the economy and combatting corruption."
