16198: (Chamberlain) Haiti-Ambush (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

   PORT-AU-PRINCE, July 25 (AP) -- Gunmen ambushed a delegation from the
Interior Ministry on a central highway Friday, killing four and seriously
wounding one, a radio station reported.
   The delegation had gone to the town of Belladere, near the Haitian
border with the Dominican Republic, for the swearing-in of a new mayor. As
the delegates left the town after the ceremony, the gunmen attacked their
vehicle, Radio Vision 2000 reported.
   Police and government officials were not immediately available for
comment.
   About 25 people, including seven police officers, have been killed in
attacks and clashes with gunmen in the Central Plateau District this year.
   The government alleges the attackers are "the armed wing of the
opposition," while the opposition denies using violence in its struggle
against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
   Aristide's party swept May 2000 legislative elections that opposition
says were rigged.