On January 31^st 2013, to mark the end of his term as head of the UN Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Mariano Fernández Amunátegui looks back on his 20 months in office. 20 months of constant political dialogue with the Haitian authorities in the search for stabilization and increased rule of law, 20 months of “significant learning” with a population which the Chilean diplomat believes is marked by inherent dignity. In his last interview as MINUSTAH Chief, Mr. Fernandez talks about the challenges of his term, but also of art and photography and remains optimistic about the future of Haiti. He answered questions from MINUSTAH TV’s Alban Mendes de Leon.

MINUSTAH TV: You have just returned from your last mission at UN headquarters in New York as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti; what are the priority issues for the Mission right now?

Mariano Fernández Amunátegui: The United Nations’ priority is to help strengthen security institutions and support the rule of law in order to leave the country as soon as possible. If, taking into account the realities on the ground, we have 16,000 police and if rule of law continues to improve, then MINUSTAH will be ready to leave and the United Nations can rethink what type of mission should continue in Haiti.

20 months after taking office as Head of MINUSTAH, can you say "mission accomplished"?
MINUSTAH, as a whole, has done much over the 20 months that I have been here, especially in relation to rule of law. While this is not our direct responsibility, we have supported the Government's decisions to update the Court of Cassation (Cour de Cassation), publish the amended Constitution and establish the Supreme Council of Judiciary Power (Conseil Supérieur du Pouvoir Judiciaire). We also work in the field of human rights, corrections and illegal detention. There has been progress in terms of political dialogue. But to say 'mission accomplished' would be somewhat arrogant. I tried to do my duty as well as possible.

During your tenure, what was your most difficult challenge?
The most difficult challenge remains that Haitians reach a political agreement to have a much more stable democracy. Elections have been delayed for 14 months and now, at the time I leave the country, there is still no electoral council. The Haitian political, economic and social elite need to agree to advance the country in a direction that is coherent with its great potential. For me, as an outsider, the electoral authority is technical rather than political, but here its implementation has been triggering political tensions.

We have seen a group of 20 tourists come to Haiti from Canada as part of a packaged tour. This is a first in several years. Is this a good sign? How do you see the economic and social future in this country?
This is a good sign. I believe that tourism is a strong option for Haiti. But it takes considerable work to ensure proper development of tourism - cleaning of the beaches; improvement of the hotel sector, airports, roads etc... MINUSTAH has made small contributions in this area – the restoration of historic facades on rue 19 in Cap Haitian, for example.

We often see you taking photographs while traveling in the field. Do you have a special relationship with Haiti?
I love photography and Haiti arouses that passion and, indeed, has taught me a lot. I am hugely impressed by the dignity of ordinary Haitians and I appreciate Haitian arts and crafts which I find wholly original and unique. These should be further promoted in the private and public sectors as they follow their own school. Haiti has a cultured and sophisticated elite, with enormous potential. The Haitian landscape has great beauty also. So, there are many reasons to photograph Haiti - its landscapes and its people – for the general beauty that’s reflected throughout the country. I will always keep Haiti in my heart.

You leave the country as a UN representative. What impression do you keep? Will you want to return?
Yes, I'd love to come back here as a tourist! As Special Representative of the Secretary-General, I have traveled all over the country, but in a restricted fashion - always surrounded by a security detail, which I cannot refuse. One day, however, I would like to travel more freely around the country.

How do you see the future of Haiti?
I am optimistic about the future of Haiti. Haiti must manage its own security in order to achieve sustainable and significant economic and social development. Conversely, peace and security without development is impossible. Both must be delivered in a parallel manner. I wish Haiti all the success it deserves and I hope that the United Nations can leave the country in the desired timeframe so that Haiti develops in a completely sovereign way.

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