21613; Walton: RE: 21605: Kathleen: tom reeve's post (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: "Walton, Robert" <robert.walton3@us.army.mil>

MPP [Movman Peyizan Papay -- Peasant Movement of Papaye]
Formed in 1973, the MPP is the oldest peasant association in the country,
with a broad range of self-help development activities aimed at improving
peasants' quality of life. The MPP's program areas include training in
leadership and organization; agricultural production and animal husbandry;
cooperatives (ceramics, sewing, as well as agricultural production and
marketing); health care for peasants; and alternative tourism and investment
schemes. Chavannnes is its leader.  The MPP position regarding the "rebels"
is shown by the MPP's satements published by Grassroots International.

(Content below is extracted fro Grassroots article, MPP Speaks to the New
Dimension of the Haitian Crisis, published February 24, 2004

"4 What Relationship does MPP Have with This Group?

On Thursday the 16th of February at 4 in the afternoon, 2 or 3 military
vehicles arrived at the administration of MPP. They said they wanted to see
Chavannes. Because Chavannes was at the Training Center up the road they
went there. At the Center, many people who were attending an organizing
training session rose up. A few were hurt. Chavannes sent one member of his
security team to talk to the chief. Chavannes agreed to speak with one
chief, Sergeant Joseph Jean-Baptiste.

The commando chief said to Chavannes: As we know the strength of MPP in this
region, we took the police barracks in Hinche, and we have come to see how
we can collaborate. We want to have a demonstration of support immediately.
Also, we want you to immediately name people to run the public
administration.

Chavannes answered: Collaboration is not possible. You lead an armed group,
MPP is an organization struggling against Aristide but struggling
peacefully. A few moments before you took the police barracks 3 leaders of
MPP were there negotiating for security for a march we have organized for
the 17th of February. These events which have occurred require us to cancel
this march to avoid the appearance that this is a show of support for the
former military.

The chief of the group told Chavannes that the military had remobilized to
take the Plateau and that they would continue to take other departments in
the country until they force Aristide to leave the Palace. He said they are
not interested in political power but that the army is a constitutional
entity and it will retake its place. Chavannes said nothing in response to
this last point and the man left.

The next day the representative of the Front returned while a dozen
international journalists were talking with Chavannes. He said MPP must
march in support of the Front. Chavannes told him MPP would not march in
support of the Front, as he had already said. MPP would march as their
leaders had planned, to continue to push for Aristide's departure. There was
some pressure during the visit but we would never march under pressure.

That same evening, on the 17th, the executive committee of MPP decided to
hold the march on Feb 20th and that news was broadcast on the radio. We said
nothing about that in our discussion with the representative of the Front."