17381: (Chamberlain) Haiti-US (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

   By PAISLEY DODDS

   PORT-AU-PRINCE, Nov 20 (AP) -- Warning of a somber future for Haiti
unless President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's government makes reforms, the
U.S. ambassador said in an interview that the world's oldest black republic
is at a decisive crossroads.
   Since Aristide's party swept flawed legislative elections in 2000,
U.S.-Haitian relations have soured as demonstrations against the government
increase and poverty among the 8 million people deepens. U.S. officials say
elections are the only way out.
   "If Haiti falls into its historical past of authoritarian government,
misrule and abuse of human rights, its future will be as somber as its
past," U.S. Ambassador James Foley told The Associated Press and Newsday on
Thursday.
   Opposition groups have refused to participate in legislative elections
proposed for this year unless Aristide resigns and the government provides
a secure environment. An opposition boycott would raise questions about the
legitimacy of any elected Parliament.
   "To hold free and democratic elections is a constitutional obligation.
We want to hold them but we can't hold them alone," said Mario Dupuy, a
Haitian government spokesman.
   The two-year standoff has paralyzed the Caribbean country where most
people are jobless, hungry and hampered by a crumbling infrastructure of
shattered roads and sketchy telephone service. So few investors come to
Haiti.
   The government says it needs funds to restore confidence. Donors,
meanwhile, say confidence must be restored before money begins flowing.
   Either way, patience is waning at home and abroad as Aristide struggles
to rebuild a country battered by two centuries of violent government
overthrows, power grabs and corruption.
   "In our view what is essential is that there be a government that is
acting responsibly within the framework of the rule of law, that there be
respect for human rights and that the government be acting as a credible
partner with the international community," Foley said.
   The U.S. Embassy would not comment Thursday on a report by independent
Radio Kiskeya that the United States has canceled the U.S. tourist visa of
Interior Minister Jocelerme Privert.
   Privert has denied allegations by former Aristide partisans that he
organized lethal gang attacks on Aristide enforcers and grass-roots leaders
who have become an embarrassment to the government.
   The United States has canceled the visas of more than a dozen government
officials this year, some because of alleged connections to drug
trafficking.
   Opponents accuse the government of using police and militants to crush
dissent.
   On Thursday, police fired tear gas to break up a demonstration in
coastal Petit-Goave.
   A demonstration planned last week by civic groups was overpowered by
thousands of Aristide partisans.
   In protest, ambassadors from France, the United States and the European
Union stayed away from a celebration Tuesday marking the 200th anniversary
of a decisive Haitian military victory that ousted the French and ended
slavery.
   The legacy of slavery and colonial exploitation has led Haitians to be
distrustful of foreign assistance and especially of the United States,
which three times invaded Haiti. The first invasion led to a 19-year
military occupation that ended in 1934. The last restored Aristide to power
in 1994 after his ouster in a military coup.
   As the political and economic situation worsens, outside help may be
Haiti's only answer.
   International lenders and donors froze more than $500 million in loans
and grants after President Rene Preval's government presided over flawed
2000 legislative elections that were followed by Aristide's victory in a
presidential ballot.
   On Thursday, however, the Inter-American Development Bank announced it
approved a new $25 million loan.
   Although the United States continues to be Haiti's largest donor, some
$70 million in U.S. aid this year is being funneled through nongovernment
organizations. From 1996 to 2002, U.S. aid totaled more than $564 million.
   Aristide calls the freezing of aid an "economic blockade" that has
hobbled his government's efforts.
   "The Americans have their own agenda," said Phillip Jean, 39, an
Aristide supporter. "They blame us because of our elections when they can't
even hold credible elections."