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US blames Aristide, urges him to leave power
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-02-29 10:25
The United States on Saturday blamed Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide
for the bloody revolt he is facing and called on him to leave power for the good
of his country.
As armed rebels pushed closer to the capital Port-au-Prince, the White House
said Aristide needed to accept responsibility for breaching democratic
principles and dividing the country.
"This long-simmering crisis is largely of Mr. Aristide's making," the White
House said in a written statement. "His own actions have called into question
his fitness to continue to govern Haiti."
"We urge him to examine his position carefully, to accept responsibility, and
to act in the best interests of the people of Haiti," the White House added.
The harsh words from the Bush administration added to pressure on Aristide.
France has also called on him to quit in order to help resolve an armed
rebellion that began on Feb. 5.
"His failure to adhere to democratic principles has contributed to the deep
polarization and violent unrest that we are witnessing in Haiti today," the
White House statement added.
President Bush, who faces a re-election vote in November, was criticized by
Democratic front-runner John Kerry for "neglect" of the political instability in
Haiti. The Massachusetts senator had called for the naming of a special envoy to
help end the crisis.
Bush earlier this week met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus
after they rushed over to the White House to express concern about the
administration's refusal to stand up for democratically elected Aristide.
ANARCHY AND FOOD SHORTAGES
The Haitian leader is facing anarchy and food shortages as a band of former
soldiers and gang members are advancing on the capital in a bid to overthrow
him.
At least 65 people have been killed during the revolt against Aristide,
accused of corruption and political thuggery by foes. The toll is likely higher,
aid workers say.
His armed and hooded supporters, known as the feared "chimeres," have been
setting up burning barricades and terrorizing Port-au-Prince's population while
rampaging in small trucks around the chaotic capital.
The president, who was restored to power by the United States a decade ago
after a coup, is a former priest and one-time populist hero of Haitian democracy
who is backed by an ill-trained, 4,000-member police force and armed supporters
from the slums.
If Aristide leaves, U.S. officials would like to see a transition take place
that is rooted in Haiti's constitution. Under the constitution, Supreme Court
Chief Justice Boniface Alexandre would be in line take over as acting president
until elections were held.
U.S. officials continue to insist their are seeking a diplomatic solution to
the crisis, although the Pentagon has been weighing some options in the event of
a decision by Bush to intervene.
The White House said the United States would be prepared to support a
multinational peacekeeping force if a "sustainable" political solution is found
in Haiti.
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