Haitian Prime Minister Conille resigns amidst political tension

Haitian Prime Minister Conille resigns amidst political tension

2012-02-26 02:02:41 GMT+7 (ICT)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (BNO NEWS) -- Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille on Friday submitted his resignation amidst controversy over dual nationality held by government officials, just four months after taking office, government officials said on Saturday.

Conille announced his resignation on late Friday morning in a brief two-sentence letter to President Michel Martelly, according to the presidential office. Martelly said he accepted the resignation, but there was no immediate word on who may replace him.

Conille and Martelly have disagreed on a number of issues, including an investigation into post-earthquake contracts signed under the Préval-Bellerive government, mounting to roughly $300 million. Another significant issue is the dual nationality of senior government officials, including Martelly. The Haitian government does not recognize dual nationality.

The resignation comes only four months after Conille took office as prime minister in October 2011. He had been approved by the Senate with 16 votes in favor, four against, and five abstentions. The Chamber of Deputies showed 81 votes in favor, seven abstentions and none against.

Haiti is still recovering from a devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake which struck near Port-au-Prince in January 2010, killing up to 316,000 people.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his concern following Conille's resignation. "This resignation comes at a time when the Haitian people are eager to embark decisively on the path towards reconstruction, economic growth and the strengthening of the country's rule of law institutions," Ban's spokesman said. "The Secretary-General urges the Haitian authorities to act in the interests of the Haitian people and appoint a new prime minister as soon as possible."

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