20253: (Chamberlain) Jamaica-Aristide (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

   By STEVENSON JACOBS

   KINGSTON, March 11 (AP) -- Ousted Haitian President Jean-Bertrand
Aristide and his wife will travel to Jamaica next week, returning to the
Caribbean less than three weeks after fleeing into exile, Jamaica's prime
minister said Thursday.
   Aristide, ousted Feb. 29 at the height of a popular rebellion, currently
is staying in the Central African Republic while seeking long-term asylum
somewhere.
   Aristide wants to be reunited with his two young daughters, who
currently are in New York, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson said. The girls
were sent there to stay with the mother of Aristide's American wife,
Mildred, for their safety.
   Patterson said Aristide was not seeking political asylum in Jamaica,
where he will stay for up to 10 weeks.
   "Mr. Aristide has expressed a wish to return temporarily to the
Caribbean with his wife and to be reunited with their two young children,
who are currently in the United States," Patterson said in a statement.
   He added that Aristide was finalizing plans for "permanent residence
outside of the region," though he did not say where.
   Aristide is expected to arrive early next week, Patterson said.
   Aristide claims he still is Haiti's legitimate leader and has accused
the U.S. government of forcing him from his post.
   The United States has denied that.