21989: (Chamberlain) Former Haitian rebels form political party (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

GONAIVES, May 20 (AFP): Former rebels of Haiti's National Resistance Front
(FRN) which played a major role in ousting president Jean Bertrand Aristide
seek to conquer the ballot box with the formation of their new political
party.

The National Reconstruction Front (FRN), founded Tuesday, will present
candidates in Haiti's 2005 general election.

Former rebel leader Guy Philippe, 36, Winter Etienne, 40, and Buteur
Metayer, 32, will hold, respectively, roles in the party of secretary
general, general coordinator and president.

Tuesday's announcement was made before a crowd of 1,000 in the northern
city of Gonaives, held by the FRN rebels during the armed insurgency
against Aristide.

A scheduled handover of weapons to Haiti's national police by the ex-rebels
failed to take place after FRN officials said all arms had been turned in
already.

Aristide renounced the presidency and left this impoverished Caribbean
nation February 29, amid escalating violence and bloodshed. He has gained
temporary asylum in South Africa.