20045: (Chamberlain) AU urges African states to grant asylum to Aristide (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

     ADDIS ABABA, March 8 (Reuters) - The African Union (AU) said on Monday
the removal of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide from power was
unconstitutional and urged African countries to grant him asylum.
     An AU statement also called for a United Nations-led investigation
into circumstances surrounding his exile.
     "The African Union expresses the view that the unconstitutional way by
which President Aristide was removed set a dangerous precedent for duly
elected persons and wishes that no action be taken to legitimise the rebel
forces," it said.
     It was the first comment by the 53-member organisation since Aristide
fled to the Central African Republic a week ago in the face of a rebellion
and international pressure.
     Central African authorities have expressed annoyance that Aristide has
repeatedly accused the United States of forcing him from office in phone
calls to friends and the media. Washington has strongly denied the
allegations.
     "The African Union supports the call by CARICOM for an investigation
under the auspices of the United Nations to clarify the circumstances
leading to his relinquishing the presidency," the AU said, echoing South
Africa which had supported the calls first made by the Caribbean Community.
     "The African Union accepts that President Aristide be received and
granted asylum in Africa. The African Union pledges full support to the
country which will agree to grant such asylum," the AU added.
     The Central African Republic says it has accepted Aristide for a
temporary stay. South Africa has said it would be willing to help in
principle if it received a request for asylum.
     The AU said it had set up a committee of heads of state to consult and
follow up the developments in Haiti.
     "The African Union has decided to undertake immediate consultations
with both CARICOM and eventually the United Nations in order to discuss the
conditions for a quick return to constitutional democracy (in Haiti)," the
statement said.