AMB RICE MEETS WITH HAITIAN PM PIERRE LOUIS

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000396 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/13/2019 TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV HA SUBJECT: AMB RICE MEETS WITH HAITIAN PM PIERRE LOUIS Classified By: Ambassador Rice for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. Haitian Prime Minister Pierre Louis said prospects for the upcoming donor conference "look good," during her April 13 meeting with Ambassador Rice. Pierre Louis pressed for U.S. support in Haiti's fight against illicit drugs and said that she expects a low turnout but no trouble during upcoming senatorial elections. Pierre Louis also asked Ambassador Rice to "keep Haiti on the map" and help change its image in the media and international community. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Haitian PM Pierre Louis, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicolas and Finance Minister Dorsinville, told Ambassador Rice in an April 13 meeting that she was positive about the upcoming April 14 donor conference, and that the priority there will be "what we can get for 2009." Finance Minister Dorsinville added that Canada, France, the EU and most recently Germany have all expressed their intention to make donations at the conference. The Inter-American Development Bank will also increase its budget support to USD 120 million a year, he continued. Rice noted that the United States will donate USD 40 million and added that the Japanese plan to contribute USD 50 million in project-based funds. ¶3. (C) Dorsinville said investment is critical to improve infrastructure, sanitation, schools, health centers and agriculture, which would create jobs while further developing Haiti. In response to Ambassador Rice's question about job creation in Cite Soleil, Dorsinville said the area near Cite Soleil was once the center for electrical, baseball and textile factories until the 1991 embargo. The area still has the infrastructure needed for job creation, including housing projects and easy access to industrial parks, he added. ¶4. (C) Illicit drug trafficking is "the issue" in Haiti, Pierre Louis commented. She said the United States is a key player in Haiti's counternarcotics efforts and that she plans to raise the issue during her meetings in Washington. PM Pierre Louis pointedly asked Rice for U.S. assistance to help Haiti do more in the fight against illicit drugs. Rice agreed that the situation has "tentacles" that are spreading into the broader Haitian society and said the U.S. will continue to support Haiti's fight against illicit drugs. ¶5. (C) PM Pierre Louis commented that she "does not foresee too much trouble" surrounding upcoming senatorial elections. She remarked that Fanmi Lavalas leaders excluded themselves by not adhering to election laws. She added that Lavalas leaders were disconnected and weak, and lacked the capacity to mobilize followers. Since these are not presidential elections, the PM predicted a low turnout -- 25-30 percent -- commenting that such a turnout would be "satisfactory." Pierre Louis said election results must be made public shortly after the election. However, in the past it has taken up to three or four weeks to release results, she noted, which raises tension in the interim period and generates questions about election fraud. ¶6. (C) Pierre Louis thanked Rice for U.S. support in keeping Haiti's budgetary needs in the international spotlight and asked that the U.S. "keep Haiti on the map." Pierre Louis also noted the negative image of Haiti portrayed in the media and in the international community at large and asked tQt the U.S. help Haiti change its image, highlighting recent progress in the country. She also reiterated her request for support in counternarcotics efforts. Rice said that the U.S. is committed to Haiti's success and will continue to assist the country as it addresses its development challenges. Rice