Aristide visit: No date yet

2004-05-24 13:49

Cape Town - No date has yet been set for the arrival in South Africa of deposed Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, deputy foreign affairs minister Aziz Pahad said on Monday.

About two weeks ago, cabinet approved "visitor status" for Aristide to allow him to stay in South Africa temporarily.

Briefing the media at parliament, he said government was still in "consultation" with Aristide and Jamaica, where he is currently staying.

The discussions revolved around issues such as who would accompany him, where he would live, and schooling for his children, Pahad said.

Asked about the cost implications for South Africa, he said a final figure would only be determined once all the arrangements had been made and finalised.

Speaking at the same briefing, Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota said the foreign affairs department and sister departments had finalised preparations for Aristide's "visit" in line with Caribbean Community (Caricom) and African Union requests.

South Africa would receive him and his family as soon as there was an indication of the date he planned to arrive, and South Africa would host him for the duration of his stay.

South Africa's approach to the Haitian question would be guided by the views of Caricom and the AU.

South Africa would continue to work within the framework set out by Caricom and the AU to assist the people of Haiti to restore peace and democracy as a basis for sustainable development, Lekota said.

- SAPA