"The countries of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America - Peoples' Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) deeply regret the death of former President of the Republic of Haiti René Préval.

They recognize that former President Préval was a fervent fighter for the integration of Latin America and the Caribbean and in particular for reintegrating the country into the international context, through the joining to a mechanism like PetroCaribe, seeking to eliminate social inequalities and promote quality of life with the effective participation of the Haitian people.

The ALBA-TCP countries remembers the participation of former President Preval as a special guest at the 5th Summit of Heads of State and Government, held on 27 and 28 April in the city of Tintorero, Venezuela, where he left the imprint of his integrationist spirit and his commitment to the values and principles of international law for the benefit of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean.

René Préval was an eminent figure of the Republic of Haiti, who served honorably as President for two terms, in which he led with determination, passion and strength, under the responsibilities entrusted to him through the free and sovereign vote of his people.

Many are the merits and achievements that can be distinguished from the political life of Préval and the management of the Government of Haiti, in which he undertook economic reforms, he carried out a strong work of international recognition of the institutions of the Government and the capture of aid following the earthquake of January 2010.

The ALBA-TCP countries wish to transmit their sincere condolences to his family, friends and all the people of Haiti in general during this difficult period."

HL/ HaitiLibre