NEWS ADVISORY

House Foreign Affairs Committee

U.S. House of Representatives

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Republican

CONTACT:  Sam Stratman, (202) 226-7875, May 10, 2007

                     Lee Cohen, (202) 226-1139

Alex Cruz, (Ros-Lehtinen’s office) (202) 225-8200

Ros-Lehtinen Meets with Haitian President René Préval

Economic development, poverty, human smuggling among topics

(WASHINGTON) – In a meeting today with U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Haitian President René Préval said the Haitian economy is growing, but urged the U.S. to continue its vital assistance programs.

Accompanied by a delegation that included senior government officials, representatives of the private sector and trade unions, President Préval urged greater U.S. economic investment in the island nation and said his government is determined to combat the growing menace of drug smuggling and systemic corruption.

Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Republican on the Committee, said the Haitian delegation also urged the renewal of Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act which expires in 2008. The law, enacted in 2000, eases trading restrictions for countries including Haiti in order to stimulate job creation and poverty reduction.

“The U.S. remains committed to helping and assisting Haiti in its efforts to reduce violence, instability, and poverty,” Ros-Lehtinen said.

Ros-Lehtinen suggested to President Préval that greater efforts must be made to reduce crime and political violence which she said “has significant implications for Haiti’s future and economic development.” She urged greater support for the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs, the Social Reconciliation Plan, and police and judicial reform.

“Reform efforts need to provide greater transparency and accountability,” said Ros-Lehtinen.

Ros-Lehtinen also urged that leaders of both countries work cooperatively to reduce illegal human smuggling. She cited last week’s deadly sinking of an overloaded boat carrying Haitian refugees off the Turks and Caicos Islands as evidence that a solution was urgently needed to stem the crisis.

Ros-Lehtinen reiterated her support for child survival and health programs, and HIV-AIDS funding in Haiti and fulfillment of the goals outlined in the Partnership Encouragement/HOPE Act of 2006. She also renewed her support for legislation to provide temporary protective status for Haitian refugees; and previously asked the Bush Administration to stop Haitian deportations.

Later Thursday, Ros-Lehtinen participated as senior Republican in President Préval’s meeting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).