Aristide spokesman confirms Nigerian asylum offer; unsure where he's going

Wednesday, March 24, 2004

WASHINGTON, USA (AFP): Former Haitian president Jean Bertrand Aristide has received an offer for temporary asylum in Nigeria, but he has not yet decided whether to accept, his spokesman in Jamaica said Tuesday.

"I can confirm the offer from Nigeria. This offer places Nigeria among the possible options for temporary stay for Mr. Aristide and his family before they move to a permanent location," spokesman Huntley Medley said.

"Mr. Aristide is grateful for the kind offer from Nigeria," he said. "However, consultations are still continuing and a final determination has not yet been made."

Jamaican Prime Minister Percival Patterson also expressed gratitude over Nigeria's offer.

"For a variety of reasons, the government of Jamaica, with the consent of former president Aristide, has been engaged in efforts to establish a choice of alternatives, should it become necessary or desirable for him and his family to be temporarily located elsewhere," Patterson said in a statement.

"We are extremely grateful for the readiness of President (Olusegun) Obasanjo to offer suitable facilities for temporary relocation in Nigeria. His decision reflects the renowned generosity of Nigeria," he added.

Nigeria agreed on Monday to allow Aristide to spend a few weeks in the west African country before moving on to another destination, following a request from the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Aristide arrived in Jamaica on March 15 from the Central African Republic, where he had been staying since he left Haiti on February 29, in the midst of an armed uprising.

He was expected to spend 10 weeks in Jamaica, but his presence so close to his still unstable country had raised fears that his supporters might be tempted to mount a counterattack.

Countries in Caricom and the African Union have called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Aristide's departure from Haiti. Aristide claims he was forced out under US and French pressure.

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