Aristide ousting 'concerning'
2004-03-03 20:19
Cape Town - The South African government has reiterated its concern about events in Haiti and the ousting of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, currently in the Central African Republic.
Briefing the media after Wednesday's fortnightly cabinet meeting, government communications (GCIS) chief Joel Netshitenzhe said government was seriously concerned at the manner in which Aristide was forced to resign, as it was effectively a coup d'etat.
It was further concerned about the danger that criminal gangsters and groups previously involved in gross human rights violations could install themselves as government in Haiti, thus reversing the nascent democratic process in that country.
"Cabinet noted that the South African government was in consultation with Caricom and the AU to make whatever contribution may be necessary to ensure that stability, democracy and legitimacy are restored in Haiti," he said.
The issue of asylum for Aristide in South Africa had not arisen in cabinet, since no formal application for such sanctuary has been received.
If and when such an issue arose, South Africa would approach it in consultation with Caricom, the AU and the UN, taking into account South Africa's own laws and interests, Netshitenzhe said.
- SAPA