Clashes Spread to Haiti Capital

21/02/2004| IslamWeb

At least 20 people have been injured during a march in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, when militants loyal to the president attacked protesters. About 500 students demonstrating against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide were set upon by gangs armed with guns and machetes. The BBC's Claire Marshall says police witnessed the attack but did not appear willing to intervene. Overseas diplomats are preparing a plan to try to quell the growing unrest. The United Nations is warning of a looming humanitarian crisis, particularly in the north of Haiti where armed anti-government guerrillas are in control of large areas. Food and medical supplies have not been able to reach the rebel-held areas, including the city of Gonaives and more than 50 people have been killed in the unrest sparked by opponents of Mr Aristide. But in the capital Port-au-Prince, our correspondent says it was supporters of the president who made up the armed gangs roaming the streets. Groups with guns and machetes attacked the students who were carrying banners condemning Mr Aristide, whom opponents say cheated in past elections and may do so again. Two journalists were among those injured in Friday's clashes in Port-au-Prince. It was the latest outbreak of violence that has flared in recent months but which has its roots in disputed elections held in 2000. **Peace proposal*** Hoping to address the situation, officials from the US, France, Canada and the Caribbean have been meeting Mr Aristide to prepare for higher-level peace talks expected on Saturday. A deal being put forward by foreign diplomats is believed to involve the creation of a new, independent government. President Aristide would remain head of state but with a more powerful, independent prime minister. Opposition politicians and the rebels have said the only deal they will accept is one that involves the complete removal of the president. But Mr Aristide, whose term is not due to end until 2006, has continued to insist that he will not stand down. Scores of foreigners have been leaving Haiti amid the unrest and several governments, including the US and the UK, have issued warnings against travel. **'Thousands at risk'*** Aid workers have reported growing lawlessness as police abandon their posts in the north. There are reports of rape and rebel gangs are said to be going into schools to attempt to recruit children. The UN says it is vital to gain access to thousands of vulnerable people to stave off a humanitarian disaster. The World Food Programme has chartered a ship to carry 1,000 tonnes of aid by sea to the north. It is due to leave Port-au-Prince on Saturday. So far the US coast guard says it has not detected any increase in migrants seeking to reach American territory by sea. But the rebellion has raised fears of a mass exodus reminiscent of the early 1990s, when tens of thousands fled the country's brutal military dictatorship. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Haitian rebels take part in a rally in the rebel-held town of Gonaives, Haiti, February 19, 2004, which was taken over by an armed gang opposed to President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. (REUTERS/ Daniel Aguilar)