Leahy Calls for Freeze of Funds to Haiti's Central Government and of Travel Visas for the Government's Leaders Who Are 'Trying to Subvert the Will of the People'

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Friday said he has urged the Obama Administration to withhold funding to the central government of Haiti, and to suspend visas for travel to the United States by senior Haitian Government officials and their immediate family members, until necessary steps are taken to ensure a fair and democratic outcome to the elections held on November 28, 2010. Leahy chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on The State Department and Foreign Operations, which handles the Senate's work in funding foreign assistance, including aid to Haiti, and the State Department's budget. Leahy also chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, which handles immigration policy issues. Leahy released the following statement:

"As if Haiti did not have enough problems, now, once again, those in power there are trying to subvert the will of the people. The United States must come down squarely in support of the Haitian people's right to choose their leaders freely and fairly. By suspending direct aid to the central government and visas for top officials and their immediate family members, the United States would be sending that message. This process needs to bring about a legitimate government respected by the Haitian people and recognized by the international community."

SOURCE Office of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED