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ninty · **Aristide resigns, goes into exile -** 03-01-2004, 11:42 AM

Aristide resigns, goes into exile
Last Updated Sun, 29 Feb 2004 13:20:45
PORT-AU-PRINCE - Jean-Bertrand Aristide has resigned as president of Haiti, bowing to pressure from rebels at home and governments abroad. He flew out of Port-au-Prince Sunday morning to an unknown location.

Early reports said his corporate jet was headed to the Dominican Republic. Later, local radio stations reported his plane landed in Antigua for refuelling.

There was a flurry of conflicting reports suggesting Aristide might seek asylum in Morocco, Taiwan, Panama or South Africa.

Boniface Alexandre, the chief justice of Haiti's Supreme Court, said he is Haiti's new leader.

The Caribbean country's prime minister, Yvon Neptune, told a news conference Aristide resigned to "prevent bloodshed."

But Paul Arcelin, a rebel and former Haitian diplomat, told CBC Newsworld that Alexandre and Neptune are not acceptable leaders. "We are fighting to get rid of all those people," he said.

Aristide fled as rebels surrounded the capital and threatened to attack within days if he refused to give up power. Rebel leader Guy Philippe said he forces will go to Port-au-Prince to "give security to the people," but he didn't give any timetable.

Aristide's departure follows a three-week uprising by rebels who had advanced to within 40 kilometres of Port-au-Prince.

"Our troops are ready to advance," Arcelin said.

Aristide became the Caribbean country's first democratically elected president in 1990. He was overthrown in a 1991 coup, then restored to power by U.S. forces in 1994 and won a new term in 2000 elections that opponents claim were rigged.

Many neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince appeared deserted on Sunday. But there were reports of gunfire in front of the National Palace. Some Aristide supporters were roaming the strees, armed with rifles, machetes and sticks.

"Well, it's a pretty crazy place – I'd say, a kind of extreme calm next to sheer terror," Philip Maher of World Vision told CBC News. "As you get closer to downtown, there has been some rioting going on, a lot of shooting into the air."

International force to be deployed

The U.S. ambassador to Haiti, James Foley, said an international force that would include Americans "will rapidly be in Haiti."

France will contribute to such a force, French ambassador Thierry Burkard told he Agence France-Presse news agency. He said he expected the force would be deployed this week.

A small group of Canadian Forces personnel is in Haiti to help fly out any Canadians who want to escape from the Haitian capital.

On Saturday, a Canadian Hercules transport flew 20 people from Port-au-Prince to safety in Dominican Republic.

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ninty is Offline Major General Posts: 12,683 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Calgary	Aristide resigns, goes into exile - 03-01-2004, 11:42 AM Aristide resigns, goes into exile Last Updated Sun, 29 Feb 2004 13:20:45 PORT-AU-PRINCE - Jean-Bertrand Aristide has resigned as president of Haiti, bowing to pressure from rebels at home and governments abroad. He flew out of Port-au-Prince Sunday morning to an unknown location. Early reports said his corporate jet was headed to the Dominican Republic. Later, local radio stations reported his plane landed in Antigua for refuelling. There was a flurry of conflicting reports suggesting Aristide might seek asylum in Morocco, Taiwan, Panama or South Africa. Boniface Alexandre, the chief justice of Haiti's Supreme Court, said he is Haiti's new leader. The Caribbean country's prime minister, Yvon Neptune, told a news conference Aristide resigned to "prevent bloodshed." But Paul Arcelin, a rebel and former Haitian diplomat, told CBC Newsworld that Alexandre and Neptune are not acceptable leaders. "We are fighting to get rid of all those people," he said. Aristide fled as rebels surrounded the capital and threatened to attack within days if he refused to give up power. Rebel leader Guy Philippe said he forces will go to Port-au-Prince to "give security to the people," but he didn't give any timetable. Aristide's departure follows a three-week uprising by rebels who had advanced to within 40 kilometres of Port-au-Prince. "Our troops are ready to advance," Arcelin said. Aristide became the Caribbean country's first democratically elected president in 1990. He was overthrown in a 1991 coup, then restored to power by U.S. forces in 1994 and won a new term in 2000 elections that opponents claim were rigged. Many neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince appeared deserted on Sunday. But there were reports of gunfire in front of the National Palace. Some Aristide supporters were roaming the strees, armed with rifles, machetes and sticks. "Well, it's a pretty crazy place – I'd say, a kind of extreme calm next to sheer terror," Philip Maher of World Vision told CBC News. "As you get closer to downtown, there has been some rioting going on, a lot of shooting into the air." International force to be deployed The U.S. ambassador to Haiti, James Foley, said an international force that would include Americans "will rapidly be in Haiti." France will contribute to such a force, French ambassador Thierry Burkard told he Agence France-Presse news agency. He said he expected the force would be deployed this week. A small group of Canadian Forces personnel is in Haiti to help fly out any Canadians who want to escape from the Haitian capital. On Saturday, a Canadian Hercules transport flew 20 people from Port-au-Prince to safety in Dominican Republic.