Two-day general strike starts in Haiti

by Dominique Levanti

Friday, January 9, 2004

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AFP): The Haitian opposition on Thursday launched a two-day general strike as part of its campaign to force President Jean-Bertrand Aristide out of office.

The strike came a day after political violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince, that left two dead, about 30 injured and heightened international concerns about the impoverished Caribbean republic.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell, in Washington, urged Aristide and the opposition to seize upon a mediation proposal made by Haitian bishops to ease tensions.

Businesses and most private banks in Port-au-Prince were closed because of the strike and there was little traffic on the streets. Only smaller stores and markets stayed open.

The action had little effect in the second city of Cap-Haitien, in the north. Most banks and businesses were opened. But business was hit at Jacmel in the southeast.

The opposition has not called for demonstrations during the strike but concerns have mounted again after Wednesday's violence surrounding an opposition rally in the capital.

One demonstrator was killed by gunfire that came from Aristide supporters, according to witnesses. A supporter of the ruling Lavalas party was killed earlier during a shootout with police, witnesses said.

About 30 demonstrators, many of them seeking Aristide's resignation, were injured by bullets, stones or baton blows, according to hospital and media sources.

Some of the protesters were wounded by shots fired by ruling Lavalas party activists who want Aristide to complete his five-year term in office.

The Aristide supporter was allegedly shot and killed by police as he and a group traveling in a four wheel drive vehicle that became involved in an exchange of fire with police just as the opposition demonstration was to pass by.

Witnesses said several armed government supporters were seen in vehicles around the route of the opposition demonstration.

Lavalas activists tried to block the peaceful demonstration organised by the opposition in the Petion-Ville suburb of the city. The government activists threw stones and also fired guns in the air, witnesses said.

Eight journalists took refuge at the offices of a human rights organization in the capital on Wednesday. They said they had been threatened by armed Lavalas party activists.

The Haitian capital has seen mounting tension in recent months as the campaign against Aristide, a former priest, has gathered momentum. The unrest overshadowed celebrations on January 1 of the 200th anniversary of Haiti's independence from France.

The opposition has accused Aristide of corruption and mismanagement, demanding that he stand down. Aristide, who still has two years of his five-year term to serve, has refused.

The Episcopal Conference of Haitian bishops has proposed setting up a special committee of advisors to help Aristide govern until new elections are held.

The president has welcomed the church initiative but it has been rejected by the opposition.

The US secretary of state urged Aristide and the Haitian opposition to "take advantage of the bishops' proposal." 

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