'What human rights violations?'
2003-12-18 10:14
Anesca Smith and Erika Gibson
Pretoria - South Africa believes it can make a difference and help solve the political problems in Haiti.
The government this week responded to criticism on President Thabo Mbeki's proposed attendance to attend the 200-year-anniversary of Haiti's liberation as first independent slave colony on January 1.
These celebrations will take place under a cloud of protest marches against the government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Human rights violations and the violent suppression by police of the island inhabitants have been criticised worldwide.
Ronnie Mamoepa, spokesperson for the department of foreign affairs, says South Africa believes it can help the country to solve its political problems. "We've been asked by both the Haiti government and opposition parties to help them."
Asked about the government's decision to reconcile the acceptance of the invitation with the suppression in Haiti, Mamoepa asked: "What human rights violations are taking place there?"
In the meantime, tempers are flaring while preparations are under way in the capital of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital city.
While thousands of Aristide's supporters walked through the streets waving flags on Wednesday, supporters of the opposition parties closed schools, banks and shops in protest against the government.
The violent suppression of opposition groups and students have led to the death of at least five people, among them a baby.
Aristide supporters want him to serve out his presidential term until 2006, but opposition parties say the 2000 election was rigged to give him victory. His opponents say the anniversary celebrations will serve no purpose but to cast Aristide in a good light in the international arena and gain support.
The US has issued a warning to its citizens to stay away from Haiti because of the volatile situation and it has closed its embassy in Port-au-Prince.
The American state department has issued a statement, condemning the "violent suppression of peaceful protest marches" on the island.
It called on the Aristide government to "stop its attempts to suppress legitimate actions because of differences of opinion."