NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT REFLECTS ON THE 48TH

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 PORT AU PRINCE 002477 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/EX AND WHA/CAR S/CRS SOUTHCOMALSO FOR POLAD STATE PASS AID FOR LAC/CAR INR/IAA (BEN-YEHUDA) WHA/EX PLEASE PASS USOAS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/29/2011 TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM HA SUBJECT: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT REFLECTS ON THE 48TH LEGISLATURE REF: A. PORT AU PRINCE 1842 ¶B. PORT AU PRINCE 2277 ¶C. PORT AU PRINCE 2122 ¶D. PORT AU PRINCE 2459 PORT AU PR 00002477 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Thomas C. Tighe for reasons 1.4 (b) an d (d). ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The first session of the 48th Legislature concluded on December 28. National Assembly President Joseph Lambert believes that the legislators laid the foundation for a stronger democratic institution with the prospect of greater productivity in the future despite the paucity of legislation. He anticipates laws strengthening security, reforming justice, and updating constitutional institutions, like the national army, will be among the assembly's priorities in the second session that will commence on January 8, 2007. Lambert predicts that he is likely to lead the National Assembly again, but his counterpart in the lower chamber will lose his leadership slot. According to Lambert, there will be no great push to see Prime Minister Alexis go, but a Cabinet shuffle is probable. Likewise, he is supportive of MINUSTAH and its recent operations in Cite Soleil. End Summary. Creating a Better Democratic Institution ¶2. (SBU) Lambert told poloff on December 28 that he was pleased by parliament's progress. While they did not pass or promulgate many laws, the legislators performed their "check" power admirably. Both houses had conducted several hearings with cabinet members and the Prime Minister in his capacity as head of the Superior Council for the National Police (CSPN). Additionally, the legislators established a rapport with the executive, the international community, and between the two houses. Lambert points to the extraordinary efforts of both houses while working on the national budget (ref A). Parliamentarians worked to build a bicameral consensus on the budget that the executive untimely submitted to the parliament. (Note: Constitutionally, the upper and lower chambers review the budget separately. The legislators agreed to work together to complete their review in a two-week timeframe. End Note.) ¶3. (SBU) Lambert stated that his priorities in the New Year were security legislation and judicial reform. In addition to this legislation, he anticipated several constitutional amendments focusing on changes of institutions: the size of the nine-member permanent electoral council (CEP) and the scope of an armed public force. While Lambert was not a proponent of an armed force, his views on the army have relaxed, recognizing that &something will be needed to maintain order8 at the eventual departure of MINUSTAH. He would also like the legislators to address the structure of local and national governance given the enormous financial burden elections will have on the GoH. (Note: Haiti will have several elections over the next 5 years. OAS estimates that it will cost USD 183 million (ref B). End Note.) The Lower House needs better Leadership ¶4. (SBU) In Lambert's opinion, the lower chamber suffered from poor leadership. The deputies often lacked a quorum and on a few occasions did not show for joint sessions with the Senate (ref C). Lambert said that there is no doubt that the executive bureau in the chamber would change. When asked who would be the likely president, he speculated that none of the four declared candidates would win. He did not share his opinion on who the "surprise candidate" and eventual president would be. (Comment: President Lambert is well respected by his senate colleagues and will likely maintain his position as president of the Senate. End Comment.) The Prime Minister is Safe ¶5. (C) He anticipates the executive will change a few PORT AU PR 00002477 002.2 OF 002 ministers in February and the parliament will leave the Prime Minister alone. According to Lambert, the deputies are threatening a vote of no confidence but they do not have sufficient votes to oust the Prime Minister. The senators are not inclined to make such a move. He would not discuss which ministers would be sacrificed. The Prime Minister and CSPN will be the first summoned during the second session. MINUSTAH should remain in Haiti ¶6. (SBU) Lambert is openly supportive of the MINUSTAH operation in Cite Soleil (ref D). "We are in a war. The gangs of Cite Soleil are terrorists. They have paralyzed the country from functioning. We must attack them. Already kidnappings have decreased. There is no place for them to hide. There are few innocent victims. The residents choose to harbor these bandits." He anticipates a push by the assembly to create a new public force. Money was allocated in the current budget to complete a study on the necessity of an armed force or gendarmerie. However, it has not been spent. Biographical Information ¶7. (C) Lambert was born on February 5,1961 in Jacmel. He is a graduate of the State University of Haiti (agronomy) and the University of the Antilles in Guyana (legal studies). He began his career in national politics as a deputy in the 45th Senate. Prior to becoming a deputy, he was a member of KONAKAM and then the regional (SE) representative of Fanmi Lavalas. While a deputy, the chamber gave a vote of no confidence to Preval. He is also a signatory of accords in Washington and New York which facilitated the return of Aristide in 1994. He is married to Jesula Dumond, whose brother is the deputy representing Jacmel. They have two children, Samantha and Bradley. Mrs. Dumond was a kidnapping victim in January 2006. Lambert is suspected of possible drug trafficking given his close association to Philippe Jules, former deputy and president of the senate, now incarcerated in Florida for narco-trafficking. ¶8. (C) Comment: Despite his dubious professional associations, Lambert has proven to be a charismatic statesman who has support in both chambers. His presidential ambition is well known although publicly concealed. Accordingly, he makes great effort to maintain his relationship with the executive, other politicians, and the international community. Although sometimes almost childish in manner, he is astute and sharp-witted. It is likely that Lambert will continue to lead parliament. TIGHE