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Haiti: Police Chief Rejects Proposal by Justice Minister to Resign

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (defend.ht) - The outgoing Minister of Justice, Michel Brunache, reportedly proposed Friday, March 23 to the national police chief, Mario Andresol, to resign seeking an "honorable exit", according to sources close to the police.

During a visit to Chief Andresol Friday night, still recovering from a few days at his residence after a torn ligament suffered during a football match, the minister resigned, joined by Secretary of State for Public Security, Reginald Delva, have suggested to the police chief, failing to execute the order he has passed the day before to take action against ex-military, to "retire honorably," reports Radio Kiskeya.

In response, the police chief refused and questioned whether the order in question and the "case of former military" would be part of a plan to force him to resign.

The minister resigned would have justified his proposal to the Director General of Police Nationale d'Haiti (PNH) by his lack of motivation for some time and malfunctioning of the police force resulting in a troubled environment. Mario Andresol has argued however that despite his convalescence, he led the institution through competent employees of the hierarchical chain thereof.

He told Michel Brunache never received the statement with the statement relating to former military. He supported having read in the press. Subsequently, the UN Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has sent him a copy. To this the minister would have responded that he sent the order to the email address of Mr. Andresol.

The Police Chief has finally categorically ruled out the possibility of withdrawing, recalling Mr. Brunache his resigned ministerial status and all the ensuing consequences, whereas, he has a constitutional mandate that is not yet come to an end.

The second consecutive term of three years of Mr. Andresol as Chief of Haitian Police expires August 18, 2012.

For his part, questioned on the proposal made to the police chief, the minister resigned refused to confirm or deny. Michel Brunache considered however that this is a matter of personal responsibility for someone to resign if performing a function he cannot assume. "If I am in a position and I cannot give results, I simply removed," he said.