28439: (news) Chamberlain: Haiti-New Government (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

   PORT-AU-PRINCE, June 9 (AP) -- Haiti's new Cabinet was sworn in Friday,
replacing a U.S.-backed interim government that was appointed to lead the
impoverished and conflict-torn nation after a 2004 revolt.
   President Rene Preval said the 18-member Cabinet of members from six
political parties was the result of a new "spirit of dialogue," and urged
Haitians to work together to overcome the "mistrust" among Haiti's deeply
divided political factions.
   The swearing-in was the final step in formally transferring power from a
two-year-old interim government installed after former president
Jean-Bertrand Aristide left the Caribbean nation for exile in Africa amid a
February 2004 revolt.
   "We are on the path to recovering our dignity and sovereignty," Preval
said in a speech at the National Palace. "The dialogue has begun and the
dialogue will continue, but I need everyone's help."
   Preval, a 63-year-old champion of the poor who took power last month,
has said national unity is vital to restoring security and allowing the
withdrawal of a Brazil-led U.N. peacekeeping force sent to quell violence
in the aftermath of the uprising.