21573: (Chamberlain) Haitians Returned (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

   By KEN THOMAS

   MIAMI, April 27 (AP) -- The United States sent 651 Haitians back to
their troubled Caribbean homeland Tuesday, days after they were intercepted
in overloaded sailing vessels off the coast of Haiti.
   Coast Guard officials said none of the immigrants was injured and most
were in good conditions when they were picked up at sea Friday and
Saturday. The three vessels that carried them were destroyed.
   A total of 1,948 Haitians have been interdicted and returned so far in
2004, Coast Guard officials said. The numbers have already surpassed those
of the two previous years: 1,490 in 2003 and 1,287 in 2002.
   "Our stepped-up presence off the coast of Haiti continues for the
purpose of saving lives, by rescuing those already on the water in boats,
and by deterring those who may be considering migration by sea," Capt.
Wayne Justice said.
   The repatriations come as a multinational force works to stabilize Haiti
following the Feb. 29 departure of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who
fled under pressure from the United States and France and a popular
rebellion led by former soldiers of the disbanded Haitian army.
   The Haitians returned Tuesday were dropped off in Port-au-Prince by a
Coast Guard cutter. Officials said 35 Haitians from the three vessels were
awaiting disposition of their cases.