Clinton Heads To Summit of the Americas

Secretary Clinton  departed for Haiti this morning, which is the first stop on her way to Trinidad and Tobago for the Summit of the Americas on April 17th-19th:

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is traveling to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago April 16-19. Secretary Clinton arrives in Haiti the morning of April 16 and depart later that day for the Dominican Republic. On April 17 the Secretary will travel to Trinidad and Tobago to attend the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain.
While in Haiti, Secretary Clinton will meet with President René Preval to discuss issues of common concern including stability, security, and assistance. In the Dominican Republic, the Secretary plans to meet with President Leonel Fernandez and will discuss bilateral development cooperation and efforts to combat drug trafficking.

At the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Secretary Clinton will accompany President Obama in what will be a gathering of the 34 democratically elected leaders of the Western Hemisphere. The key theme of the Summit is “Securing Our Citizens’ Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security, and Environmental Sustainability.”

Haiti is anxiously awaiting Secretary Clinton’s visit and the publicity it will create.

Yesterday, Clinton met with Prime Minister Pierre-Louis to discuss the administration’s promise to review its policy towards Haiti (specifically deportation issues) and re-affirm a renewed partnership between the two countries :

Haiti Prime Minister Michèle Pierre-Louis met with both Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday and welcomed the renewed interest.

”It’s up to us Haitians to make sure we understand what is at stake,” Pierre-Louis said. “Haiti has a chance. We have to seize this opportunity.”

Clinton told The Miami Herald the White House would not be going to Trinidad with a ”one-size-fits-all” program to forge partnerships in energy, the economy and trade.

Nor would it seek to dictate solutions, she said.

”Part of what we’re going to do at the Summit of the Americas is actually listen, which has been in somewhat scarce supply over the last eight years,” she said.

“We are really looking to be a good partner and a reliable friend and neighbor.’

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