13403: Chamberlain: Police roadblocks paralyze Haitian capital (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

     By Michael Deibert

     PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Oct 12 (Reuters) Traffic in many areas of
Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, ground to a halt on Saturday as national
police set up roadblocks as part of a new government disarmament campaign.
     Cars were stopped and searched by machine-gun carrying plainclothes
policemen supported by uniformed officers.
     Roadblocks began popping up around the capital earlier in the week
without warning. Police officials explained they were part of the latest
disarmament campaign by the government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide
in response to an Organization of American States' resolution.
     On Saturday, police targeted Pan Americaine, Canape Vert and upper
Delmas areas, main thoroughfares running from downtown Port-au-Prince to
the wealthy mountainside suburb of Petionville. Traffic was backed up for
miles, leaving thousands of motorists sweating under the sun and autos
stalling as they ran out of gas.
     "They know who has weapons, and it's not us," said one disgruntled
taxi driver who declined to give his name. "This is pure cinema."
     Haitians generally regard the government's disarmament campaigns with
skepticism, as street gangs in the capital's poorer quarters have often
been used by Aristide's government and other political factions as paid
mobs to demonstrate and burn tires in times of political tension.
     On Dec. 17, 2001, after two dozen gunmen stormed the National Palace
in a mysterious attack, thousands of armed Aristide supporters took to the
streets burning down offices and private homes affiliated with Aristide's
political opposition. The violence left 10 people dead.
     In September, the OAS called for a restoration of aid to the country,
as well as the disarmament of political militants, the arrest of those
responsible for violence and compensation for people who lost property on
Dec. 17th.
     The opposition Democratic Convergence coalition is disputing May 2000
legislative elections that they say were biased to favor Aristide's Lavalas
Family party. The deadlock has stalled more than $500 million in
international aid.