In a notice to the media, the Executive Body of the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL) "[...] renews its commitment to frank collaboration with media owners and wishes to remind you that operating licenses are granted for commercial purposes and with the objective of providing the population with a quality public communications service.

In this extremely difficult period, when the foundations of the Republic are jeopardized by repeated attacks by armed groups sowing grief and chaos, strict compliance with the contractual clauses that bind you to the Haitian state must not deviate from any exceptions.

CONATEL takes this opportunity to urge you to demonstrate responsibility and vigilance in the exploitation of these state resources.

The Government Commissioner at the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince has brought to our attention abuses in certain radio broadcasts. These failings concern a small minority of media outlets and broadcasts that are likely to exacerbate the already worrying situation. These broadcasts, which amplify the message of armed groups and fuel widespread fear, are in flagrant violation of the provisions of Articles 51, 52 et seq. of the Decree of October 12, 1977.

The CONATEL Executive Body hopes for the understanding and cooperation of all media owners to effectively combat these abuses denounced by the Government Commissioner and hopes not to have to resort to the sanctions provided for in Articles 130, 135, and even less Article 137 of said decree."

IH/ iciHaiti