22655: (Chamberlain) US lets non-essential diplomats return to Haiti (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

    WASHINGTON, July 8 (Reuters) - Non-essential U.S. diplomats can return
to Haiti but the security situation remains "unpredictable and potentially
dangerous," the U.S. State Department said on Thursday.
     Washington ordered the diplomats and embassy family members to leave
the Caribbean nation on Feb. 21, eight days before former President
Jean-Bertrand Aristide fled under pressure from the United States and
France after a rebel revolt.
     Aristide, accused by rivals of corruption and human rights abuses, is
exiled in South Africa and interim authorities plan to organize local,
legislative and presidential elections next year to choose a permanent
replacement.
     "The security situation in Haiti remains unpredictable and potentially
dangerous. U.S. citizens are encouraged to defer non-emergency travel to
Haiti," the department said in a travel warning that largely tracked its
last advice on May 25.
     It said travel to Haiti involved "serious risks," citing the absence
of an effective police force, roadblocks set by armed gangs or the police
and the possibility of random violent crime, including kidnapping.