a691: BBC: The National Coalition for Human Rights, NCHR, denounces the deterioration of human rights since Aristide returned to power a year ago. (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Robert Benodin <r.benodin@worldnet.att.net>

Haiti: Highlights of Radio Metropole news 1145 gmt 7 Feb 02
BBC Monitoring Service - United Kingdom; Feb 8, 2002


2. Exactly one year ago today President Jean-Bertrand Aristide became
president for a second time. In his inaugural speech he announced a
development plan for the Haitian nation. He promised political and economic
unblocking, security, freedom of the press, and peace in the head and
stomach, but he has failed to fulfil his promises. (6 min)
3. The National Coalition for Human Rights, NCHR, denounces the
deterioration of human rights since Aristide returned to power a year ago.
In a report made public this week, the NCHR expressed alarm over the serious
human rights violations and threats to the future of democracy in Haiti. (2
min)
4. The Caribbean Community, Caricom, heads of government, at their recent
meeting in Belize, decided in favour of an international evaluation of the
17 December events that took place in Haiti, according to the OAS
resolution. The summit also recommends the unblocking of international funds
allocated to Haiti. Caricom wishes the conclusion of an agreement between
the current government and the opposition. (4 min)
5. The Democratic Convergence deplores Caricom's call for restarting
international assistance to the current government without the conclusion of
a political agreement. According to Convergence leaders, Caricom has
misinterpreted the Haitian crisis. They believe that Caricom is trying to
support Aristide to the detriment of democratic values. (2 min)
6. Ads (5 min)
7. The president of the contested senate has reacted cautiously to the
demands of Senators Pierre Sancon Prince, Gerald Gilles, and Lans Clones for
regaining their Senate seats. They ask for a reorganization of the
parliament security service after they were attacked by people's
organization, OP, members following the session on the lifting of Dany
Toussaint's parliamentary immunity. Yvon Neptune said, "//But we need to let
the people know that the parliament as a whole has the responsibility to
provide security to parliamentarians, but it will have to be with the
collaboration of the senators.//"
8. The Lavalas Family, FL, criticizes the attitude of opposition members who
reject President Aristide's offer for participation in the new government.
According to Yvon Neptune, their position demonstrates the Convergence
leaders' refusal to contribute to a solution to the political crisis.
Neptune explains that consultations are still under way for a new prime
minister. (3 min)
9. Rene Theodore, leader of the National Reconstruction Movement, MRN,
considers President Aristide's call to dialogue demagogy. According to
Theodore, it would be ridiculous for the opposition to take part in a new
government given the situation. He thinks that the president's statements
are directed at the international community. (2 min)
Source: Radio Metropole, Port-au-Prince, in French 1145 gmt 7 Feb 02
/BBC Monitoring/ © BBC.