Port-au-Prince, August 9, 2005 (AHP)- The head of MINUSTAH,  Juan Gabriel Valdès, announced Tuesday that the UN force is determined to stand in the way of all who seek to exclude Haitians from the electoral process.  

According to Mr. Valdès, all the political parties who have registered with the Provisional Electoral Council have the right to campaign freely in all parts of the country.  

"We will not allow individuals to prevent political leaders from informing the public about their programs and their ideas", declared Mr. Valdès, who said he recognizes that the electoral process constitutes a major marker for the democratic future of this country.  

The president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti, Réginald Boulos, on Monday took issue with the idea of former President Préval being a candidate for president in the elections planned for the end of this year. Mr. Boulos was reacting to rumors that the former president was considering a bid for a second term.  

The special representative of the UN Secretary-General declared that MINUSTAH will see to it that the political rights of Haitians are respected.   

He also invited all sectors to accompany the government in its efforts and to organize debates about Haiti's real problems as a means of helping to resolve the crisis that is now several years old.   

The UN diplomat also expressed satisfaction at the improved security climate, the signing of an electoral code of ethics by political leaders and the conclusion of the period during which political parties register for the elections.