23398: (Chamberlain) US says Aristide backers seek to destabilize Haiti (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

     WASHINGTON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - The United States accused supporters of
former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide on Tuesday of systematically using
violence to destabilize Haiti's government and disrupt international
efforts to help storm-devastated areas of the country.
     "Over the past two weeks, pro-Aristide thugs have murdered policemen,
looted businesses and public installations, and terrorized civilians. On
Oct. 11, pro-Aristide gunman killed three people in random attacks; there
are reports that one parent was killed while walking his child to school,"
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said.
     This is part of "a systematic campaign to destabilize the interim
government and disrupt the efforts of the international community to assist
the Haitian people," he said.
     Aristide, who was accused by his opponents of corruption and despotism
but still regarded by many of Haiti's poor as their champion, fled on Feb.
29 in the face of an armed revolt and U.S. and French pressure to quit. He
is now living in exile in South Africa.
     In June, a Brazilian-led U.N. peacekeeping force took over the task of
stabilizing Haiti from a U.N.-sanctioned multinational interim force led by
U.S. Marines. The number of U.N. troops and police should grow to about
7,300 in November.
     Boucher said the recent violence recalls "the worst days of Mr.
Aristide's rule, which was characterized by the criminal use of street
gangs to spread violence and political repression."
     Even worse, he said, the attacks come as Haiti still suffers from the
aftermath of catastrophic flooding. Tropical Storm Jeanne swept north of
Haiti last month and triggered massive flooding and mudslides that killed
more than 3,000 people.
     Boucher urged leaders of pro-Aristide forces to stop the violence and
participate peacefully in the electoral process.
     The interim government led by President Boniface Alexandre and Prime
Minister Gerard Latortue "represents the best hope for progress in Haiti,"
he added.
     Since the end of September, about 50 people have been killed,
including 40 in Port-au-Prince slums that are strongholds of support for
Aristide. Five of the dead were police.
     Police said a number of the victims were killed by police after street
clashes and protests, but the majority -- about 30 -- were killed in gun
battles between rival gangs in Cite Soleil, Haiti's largest slum.
     Two peacekeepers have also been injured.