19996: Haiti's Philippe turns to Indian evangelist for guidance (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: radtimes <resist@best.com>

Haiti's Philippe turns to Indian evangelist for guidance

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_602002,00050001.htm

Associated Press
Port-Au-Prince, March 6

Indian evangelist KA Paul has traveled from Liberia to Iran offering
everything from peace mediation to humanitarian aid. In his latest tour, to
Haiti, he is also giving spiritual guidance to the country's rebel leader,
Guy Philippe.

Paul said he isn't taking sides and is meeting with everyone, including
Prime Minister Yvon Neptune, who has remained even as President
Jean-Bertrand Aristide went into exile in the Central African Republic this
week.

But he has spent most of his time in Haiti with rebel leader Guy Philippe,
praying over whether Philippe should run for office and serving as his
"personal spiritual leader''.

Paul and Philippe on Friday handed out bags of crackers, potatoes, canned
corn and chocolate bars to hundreds who lined up for aid, an event that at
times took on the feel of an impromptu political rally.

"How many of you want him to be in political office in this country?'' Paul
shouted out to the crowd. Philippe, who has denied political ambitions,
mouthed ``No.'' But the crowd applauded and cheered.

Earlier, as the two sat atop a truckload of food, Paul put his palms
together, then grasped Philippe's hand and said a prayer. "This is just the
beginning of God's answer to the people of Haiti," he said.

Paul, who heads the Washington-based Global Peace Initiative, was born
Kilari Anand Paul in Chittivalsa, India, and said he was inspired when he
met Mother Teresa in 1987. During more than two decades, he has traveled
the world for a variety of causes aimed at peace and humanitarian aid.

.