Chicago Indymedia : http://chicago.indymedia.org/archive
Chicago Indymedia

News :: International Relations

Caribbean nations deplore Aristide's 'removal'

The Caribbean Community (Caricom), which has been at the forefront of efforts to find a solution to Haiti's long-running political crisis, deplores the "removal" of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Warning that Mr Aristide's flight sends a dangerous signal to other democratic governments, Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson questions the constitutionality of a US-backed move to name the country's chief justice to replace him.
Caribbean nations deplore Aristide's 'removal'. 01/03/2004. ABC News Online

Last Update: Monday, March 1, 2004. 3:04pm (AEDT)

Caribbean nations deplore Aristide's 'removal'
The Caribbean Community (Caricom), which has been at the forefront of efforts to find a solution to Haiti's long-running political crisis, deplores the "removal" of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Warning that Mr Aristide's flight sends a dangerous signal to other democratic governments, Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson questions the constitutionality of a US-backed move to name the country's chief justice to replace him.

"We are bound to question whether his resignation was truly voluntary, as it comes after the capture of sections of Haiti by armed insurgents and the failure of the international community to provide the requisite support, despite the appeals of Caricom," Mr Patterson said.

"The removal of President Aristide in these circumstances sets a dangerous precedent for democratically-elected governments anywhere and everywhere, as it promotes the removal of duly elected persons from office by the power of rebel forces."

Mr Patterson is the current chairman of Caricom.

Mr Aristide, once adored by Haiti's legions of poor as a champion of democracy but increasingly at odds with political opponents, fled a 24 day armed revolt on Sunday led by former death squad leaders and gang leaders.

Under the Haitian constitution, the head of the Supreme Court, Boniface Alexandre, was named to succeed him.

The constitution also stipulates that the president's successor must be approved by two thirds of parliamentarians.

Haiti's parliament was dissolved after the terms of most legislators ran out early this year.

A stand-off over the flawed outcome of a parliamentary ballot in 2000 had prevented new legislators from being elected.

"The non-existence of a parliament in Haiti would bring into question the constitutionality of the arrangement as reported," Mr Patterson said.

Caricom had sought to broker a deal under which Mr Aristide would remain as head of state but allow a council of "wise men", most to be selected by the opposition, to name a new prime minister and cabinet.

-- Reuters
 
 

Donate

Views

Account Login

Media Centers

 

This site made manifest by dadaIMC software