Canada’s Foreign Ministry on Friday sanctioned two members of Haiti’s political elites «in response to significant acts of corruption that are fueling the crisis in the country.»
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said the two individuals are Charles Saint-Rémy, a businessman and associate of former President Michel Martelly, and former parliamentarian Arnel Bélizaire.
«These individuals are using their status as high-profile elites in Haiti to protect and enable the illegal activities of armed criminal gangs, including through drug trafficking and other acts of corruption,» Joly said.
The ministerial portfolio holder explained that these sanctions «are intended to put pressure on those responsible for the ongoing violence, including widespread sexual violence, and instability in Haiti.»
In this regard, she pointed out that «these individuals must stop providing funds and weapons to criminal gangs in Haiti,» according to a statement from her office.
«Canada continues to fight corruption in Haiti by imposing more sanctions against the elites who support the criminal gangs that terrorize the country,» the portfolio holder has stressed.
Joly insisted that Ottawa «will continue to work with the international community to support the people of Haiti to emerge from this crisis and restore peace and security to their country.»
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
