9672: Fwd: HAITI SANCTIONS - URGENT ACTION ALERT (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: radtimes <resist@best.com>

From: "Pierre Labossiere" <pierrelabossiere@hotmail.com>
Subject: HAITI SANCTIONS - URGENT ACTION ALERT
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001

ACTION ALERT - Haiti Sanctions

The Congressional Black Caucus is currently spearheading an effort to push
the Bush administration to lift the economic sanctions against Haiti.  In a
November 8 letter, all 38 members of the CBC urged President Bush to review
his Haiti policy and to restore aid to Haiti.  CBC members have raised the
issue of blocked aid to Haiti on the floor of the House of Representatives;
their statements are in the attachment. We need to gain more support in
Congress to push for a change in policy.  Now is a critical time to contact
you congressional representatives to discuss the following issue:

Lift the Sanctions on Haiti

Economic sanctions against Haiti have been in place since the disputed
elections in May 2000.  In an effort to resolve the conflict, the seven
Senators whose elections were contested have all resigned.  Despite the
resolution of this dispute, the United States continues to block over $500
million in international aid and loans to the Haitian government. This
includes loans from the Inter-American Development Bank that Haiti has had
to pay interest on without receiving these funds. This aid is intended for
education, healthcare and infrastructure projects.  Let your
representatives know that you feel it is unconscionable to deny aid to the
poorest country in the hemisphere.

You may also let them know that:

The United States Must Stop Harboring Terrorists  - Return Toto Constant to
Haiti Emmanuel (Toto) Constant, leader of the notorious FRAPH paramilitary
organization, has been lively freely in the US since 1996. FRAPH was
responsible for the murders, tortures and rapes of thousands of Haitians.
Constant was convicted in absentia for his role in the 1994 Raboteau
massacre in a Haitian court in October 2000.  Tell your representative that
the US must end this hypocrisy and immediately deport Constant to Haiti to
be held accountable for his crimes.

The toll free number for United States Congress is 800 393-1082  - at the
prompt enter your zip code and you will be connected to the office of your
congressperson.

For information contact the Haiti Action Committee at 510 483-7481,
haitiaction@yahoo.com.