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Statement on the Resignation of President
Aristide
The South African Government has noted with serious
concern developments in Haiti, leading to the resignation
of a democratically elected President Jean Bertrand
Aristide on Sunday 29 February 2004.
Coming in the wake of calls by the UN, CARICOM and
the AU to assist the people of Haiti to find an amicable
resolution to the current political and economic challenges
facing the country, these developments do not bode well
for democracy.
The state of chaos and anarchy that Haiti had descended
into demanded a politically negotiated solution involving
all genuine Haitians committed to finding a long lasting
solution to their political and economic challenges.
The international community must not allow "rebels",
many of whose leaders are notorious criminals responsible
for the gross human rights violations to determine the
future of Haiti. In this regard the international community
in conjunction with CARICOM must act decisively to arrest
the situation from a further decline into lawlessness
and disorder, with a view to creating a climate conducive
for a dialogue among Haitians to find a lasting resolution
to challenges facing their country.
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-9904853
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
29 February 2004
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