21616: (Chamberlain) Aristide declines to meet with Haitian refugees (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

     KINGSTON, Jamaica, April 29 (Reuters) - Haiti's former president,
Jean-Bertrand Aristide, declined to meet with Haitian refugees sheltered in
Jamaica, where he is also staying temporarily, his spokesman said on
Thursday.
     Some of the 461 Haitian refugees in Jamaica who fled instability in
their homeland had asked to meet with Aristide to discuss conditions in
Haiti.
     "He is not interested in such a meeting," Aristide's spokesman,
Huntley Medley, said. "He has officially declined the invitation."
     Aristide is staying in Jamaica while seeking permanent asylum
elsewhere. One condition of his stay is that he refrain from activity that
would appear to set the stage for a return to power.
     The Jamaican government has asked the United Nations for help
supporting the growing number of Haitian boat people seeking refuge in
Jamaica. Two more groups numbering 128 arrived on Monday, bringing the
total to nearly 500 since the start of the armed rebellion that drove
Aristide from office in February.
     Jamaica moved some of them to a former army camp in the western city
of Montego Bay. Others are housed temporarily at a Red Cross shelter, but
most are staying at a home for retired people in the eastern parish of
Portland.
     National Security Ministry officials said 204 of them had applied for
political asylum and 22 asked to return to Haiti.
     Several companies donated supplies to feed and clothe them, but
Jamaicans in Portland were divided about them.
     "They are being treated like kings and queens. They do nothing here
but get three meals a day and walk around as if they are more than
important," said Portland resident Tony Ball. "They should be cooking for
themselves, they should be washing their own clothes, but instead, they
have people here doing these things for them."
     Other residents were sympathetic.
     "They are our brothers and sisters and we are obligated to keeping
them here," said Lucille Henry. "They seem to be friendly and nice and they
have found themselves in an unfortunate situation."