Thousands welcome new Haitian premier to former rebel stronghold

Sunday, March 21, 2004

GONAIVES, Haiti (AFP): Thousands turned out Saturday to welcome Haiti's new prime minister, Gerard Latortue, to this former stronghold of anti-government rebels who were instrumental in unseating deposed president Jean Bertrand Aristide.

"Thanks for your courage," the premier, a native of Gonaives, told the crowd gathered in blazing sunshine in the city's central plaza.

"I have the money to rebuild at least 100 houses, to install drinking water and to resurface the section of highway between Saint-Marc and Gonaives."

But the crowd was more interested in justice that reconstruction.

"Aristide must be brought to trial," they shouted. "Arrest Neptune," former prime minister Yvon Neptune. 

Latortue, on his first trip outside the capital since he was named premier by a council of wisemen early this month, arrived here aboard a US military helicopter, part of the multinational force deployed in Haiti.

He was accompanied by his new Interior Minister, Herard Abraham, and Justice Minister Bernard Gousse.

Also on hand was former rebel chief Guy Philippe, who told AFP the former rebels would continue to handle security in Gonaives until the arrival of a national police contingent.

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