Biden offers support to Haiti’s President Martelly amid flap over new legislative elections
WASHINGTON _ Vice-President Joe Biden says he’s disappointed that Haiti‘s parliament failed to pass a law needed to organize long-delayed elections before parliament’s term ended this week.
Biden spoke on Friday with Haitian President Michel Martelly. The White House says Biden offered U.S. support for Martelly and his efforts to organize elections this year so Haitians can elect their representatives democratically. Biden says Martelly made important concessions in his attempt to reach a consensus among Haiti‘s political parties.
The White House says the two leaders also discussed U.S. support for Haiti‘s reconstruction and development.
A bitter standoff with lawmakers prevented Haiti‘s parliament from authorizing an electoral law before the constitutionally mandated end of the legislature on Monday. Martelly could sign a decree allowing Haiti to hold legislative elections later this year.
The Associated Press
