Calls for Aristide's return
2004-03-14 10:11
Port-Au-Prince - With anger growing over a US-led peacekeeping operation, some Haitians are demanding the United States return ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to the country.
Aristide, in exile in the Central African Republic since February 29, was planning to fly to Jamaica in the next few days to visit his family. He has claimed the US government forced him out.
Haiti's new prime minister, Gerard Latortue, has warned that Aristide's return to the region would only increase tension in Haiti. He has said he would not meet with the ousted leader.
US Ambassador to Haiti James Foley said on Saturday that "Jamaican authorities are certainly taking on a risk and a responsibility" by accepting Aristide.
US Marine Maj. Richard Crusan said the two men killed on Friday during a Marine patrol were gunmen who had previously fired on the soldiers, although their weapons were never recovered. Witnesses said the dead were bystanders.
Recent violence is the biggest challenge facing Latortue, who was sworn in on Friday and who has said bringing stability and peace to Haiti is his top priority.
- AP