Clintons Will Have a Big Say in Haiti's Future

[Wilms]

Clintons Will Have a Big Say in Haiti's Future

Emily Troutman Contributor

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (July 14) -- In this city, it is called the Interim Haitian Recovery Commission. But in Washington, skeptical insiders have dubbed it "the Bill and Hillary Fund."

The Interim Haitian Recovery Commission (IHRC) was created by an official decree of President Rene Preval in April and will be a joint Haitian and international advisory board to oversee distribution of funds for Haiti's earthquake recovery. At a U.N. donors' conference in March, the international community pledged $5.3 billion to this effort.

The IHRC's mission is to "seek coordinated, effective and efficient planning and implementation." But most believe that the commission's real role is to add a layer of American authority to reconstruction efforts. Transparency, accountability, direction and effectiveness have been the holy grail of international aid to Haiti for decades.

However, this latest structure is raising concern from Haiti to Geneva, worrying officials with the U.N. and nongovernmental organizations, who privately concede they have no idea where they will fit in.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton will co-chair the commission's board with Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive.

One of the largest donors to the fund will be the United States, which aims to contribute at least $1.15 billion over the next two years, largely on advice of the State Department, led by Hillary Rodham Clinton, and her chief of staff, Cheryl Mills. Mills is a longtime Clinton confidant and has played a major role in Haitian affairs since the earthquake. She will serve on the commission's board as a voting member, representing the United States.

It is an unusual confluence of power for the Clintons and for the United States. The former president also directs the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and the Clinton Foundation.

Mills made clear in a speech Monday that a new paradigm will control aid in Haiti. Regarding the IHRC, she said, "The donor community is going to have to step up to and actually play the role that they have an obligation to play and be good partners."

http://www.aolnews.com/haiti-six-months/article/bill-and-hillary-clinton-will-have-big-say-in-haitis-future/19551988

[EFerrari]

1. Did you see Amy's report yesterday?

The ruins of the palace haven't even been moved.