Aristide: SA must come clean

2005-11-15 15:04

Cape Town - Government urgently needs to provide clarity on whether it has received a formal request from the interim Haitian government for the extradition of former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the Democratic Alliance said on Tuesday.

"It must also explain what action it is going to take with regard to this request," DA foreign affairs spokesperson Douglas Gibson said.

The interim government of Haiti - supported by the United Nations - had filed suit against Aristide in a Miami Federal Court in the United States, accusing him of stealing millions of dollars from the Haitian people.

"Aristide is accused of stealing tens of millions of dollars from the Haitian treasury and state owned telephone company.

"The government alleges that Aristide abused his power and deceived and betrayed the Haitian people by directing and participating in fraudulent schemes," Gibson said.

Aristide was also the subject of a probe by a Miami federal jury which was investigating whether he illegally pocketed millions of dollars from drug traffickers who moved tons of cocaine through his country.

"The South African government has claimed ever since Aristide was granted exile in South Africa that it believes him to be the legitimately elected president of Haiti, despite his appalling human rights record and his alleged involvement in a number of corrupt activities.

"In light of the new claims it is simply unacceptable that the South African taxpayer has to foot a bill for up to R200 000 per month for Mr Aristide's stay in South Africa," Gibson said.

- SAPA