Caribbean Net News: Haiti opposition group declares ceasefire for independence bicentennial

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AFP): The head of an armed opposition group battling Haiti's President Jean Bertrand Aristide on Monday declared a ceasefire for the impoverished state's 200th anniversary of its independence on January 1.

South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki is to join Aristide in events in the town of Gonaive, the stronghold of the opposition group led by Bruno Metayer and the town where independence from France was declared on January 1, 1804.

Metayer heads the Artibonite Revolutionary Resistance Front, once known as the Cannibal army, which is based in Gonaive. His brother Amiot Metayer, the former leader of the Cannibal army, was shot dead in September.

Metayer's followers have blamed the government for the death, and since September 23 there have been attacks and violent demonstrations in the town which have left 36 dead and 85 wounded. The government has said an armed opposition group killed Metayer.

Aristide has also faced mounting demonstrations against his rule in the capital and other towns.

The head of the resistance front said the ceasefire started Sunday and will allow Aristide and his foreign guests to safely visit Gonaive during the commemorations.

Metayer said in a statement that celebrations of the bicentenary "do not just belong to Jean Bertrand Aristide but to all Haitians."

Mbeki will be the main foreign guest at the commemorations. He is to go to Haiti after a state visit to the Bahamas. Mbeki's security officials recently went to Gonaive to prepare the sensitive visit.

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