Originally: Violence in Haiti
Press Statement
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 12, 2004
Violence in Haiti
The United States condemns the violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti that began on
September 30. Armed gangs and groups who support former President Jean-Bertrand
Aristide have launched a systematic campaign to destabilize the interim
government and disrupt the efforts of the international community to assist the
Haitian people. Over the past two weeks, pro-Aristide thugs have murdered
policemen, looted businesses and public installations, and terrorized
civilians. On October 11, pro-Aristide gunman killed three people in random
attacks; there are reports that one parent was killed while walking his child
to school. These attacks recall the worst days of Mr. Aristide’s rule, which
was characterized by the criminal use of street gangs to spread violence and
political repression.
It is all the more reprehensible that the pro-Aristide forces have launched
their campaign of violence at a moment when the people of Haiti are still
suffering from the catastrophic flooding in Gonaives, which claimed over 2,000
lives. We call upon leaders of Fanmi Lavalas to break with the party’s legacy
of violence and criminality that tarnished its image during the rule of Mr.
Aristide, and to participate peacefully in the electoral process.
The Interim Government of Haiti led by President Alexandre and Prime Minister
Latortue represents the best hope for progress in Haiti. The United States
Government will continue to assist the rebuilding and reform of the Haitian
National Police. We have confidence that the United Nations Stabilization
Force’s, MINUSTAH, capacity to protect the Haitian people will continue to
increase in the days and weeks to come.
2004/1098
[End]
Released on October 12, 2004