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