OAS to Lead High-Level International Mission to Haiti Aug. 16-19

The Organization of American States (OAS) said Friday that its secretary general, Albert Ramdin, will lead a high-level delegation to Haiti from Aug. 16 to 19 to translate international solidarity into concrete support for the country's deep crisis, according to a statement reported by EFE via hoy.com.do. The inter-American mission will also include CARICOM Secretary General Carla Barnett, along with representatives of the United Nations, the Pan American Health Organization, the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, among other institutions. The OAS said the visit comes at "an important moment for Haiti," where authorities are working to secure presidential and legislative elections scheduled for Dec. 13. According to the Washington-based organization, "the mission seeks to translate international solidarity into greater coordination and concrete support for the priorities identified by Haitians themselves." Ramdin is expected to meet with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Foreign Minister Raina Forbin and other government, electoral and police officials. This is a developing report based on a single source; details may be updated as further confirmation emerges.