I. Introduction
By its resolution 2070 (2012), the Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) until 15 October 2013, and requested me to report on its implementation semi-annually and not later than 45 days prior to its expiration. The present report covers major developments from the issuance of my report of 8 March 2013 (S/2013/139) to 20 August 2013, and outlines activities undertaken by the Mission in line with its mandate under Security Council resolutions 1542 (2004), 1608 (2005), 1702 (2006), 1743 (2007), 1780 (2007), 1840 (2008), 1892 (2009), 1908 (2010), 1927 (2010), 1944 (2010), 2012 (2011) and 2070 (2012).
II. Political and security update
Political situation
During the reporting period, Haiti made strides in establishing a transitional Electoral Council and advancing the Government’s “5 E” policy programme (employment, education, environment, energy and rule of law). However, continued delays in the holding of long-overdue elections and strained relations between the executive and legislative branches of government risked undermining progress in the stabilization process.
On the occasion of Labour Day on 1 May, the President of Haiti, Michel Joseph Martelly, stressed the importance of national solidarity and institutional strengthening to better prepare the country for foreign investment in support of job creation and socioeconomic development. Throughout the reporting period,
President Martelly and Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe visited numerous departments to inaugurate Government programmes and projects implemented in line with the “5 E” policy of the Martelly administration. These projects, many of which are supported by donor funding, range from the construction of roads, schools, clinics and official buildings to support for agricultural production and reforestation.