Nine years have passed since Aristide was returned to power

Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide

Saturday, September 20, 2003

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: Friday, 20th September, marked the ninth year anniversary since U.S. troops intervened in Haiti and helped former priest, Mr. Jean Bertrand Aristide reclaim his office.

Mr. Aristide had won a landslide victory in 1991 but was ousted after seven month by the Haitian army in a bloody coup. Three years later, in 1994, with U.S. help, he was returned to power. 

Now as the country celebrates the nine-year anniversary of Mr. Aristide's return, the picture is bleak. The Aristide administration has fallen out of favor with the United States; he swept back to power despite claims of a flawed 2000 election; and faces increased opposition from residents at home. Violence and poverty have become more and more part of the every day life of Haitians.

The criticism internationally has come from both the U.S. and the Organization of American States. 

On Thursday, 19th September, new U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Mr. James Foley, was quoted by the Associated Press as saying, Haiti must comply with resolutions to establish security and consensus on holding legislative elections this year in order to overcome its underdevelopment. 

Mr. Foley, who officially presented his credentials to President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and took control of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, succeeds former Ambassador Mr. Brian Dean Curran.

But the Haitian government goes on, and despite the growing criticism, keeps holding on to power.

  Back...

  Printable version