For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 28, 2004
Statement on Haiti
Statement by the Press Secretary
We condemn the violence in Haiti. Many are engaged in it. All should
end their senseless looting and killing.
In the last few days, gangs armed and directed by President
Aristide have looted and attacked people and property in Port-au
Prince. These attacks have targeted innocent civilians, humanitarian
programs, and international organizations trying to help the Haitian
people. Mr. Aristide must instruct his supporters to end this
violence. Rebel forces approaching Port-au-Prince must cease their
acts of violence to allow for a political solution.
This long-simmering crisis is largely of Mr. Aristide's making.
His failure to adhere to democratic principles has contributed to the
deep polarization and violent unrest that we are witnessing in Haiti
today. His own actions have called into question his fitness to
continue to govern Haiti. We urge him to examine his position
carefully, to accept responsibility, and to act in the best interests
of the people of Haiti.
The United States has worked actively with the United Nations, the
Organization of American States, and the Caribbean Community, as well
as the governments of Canada and France, to promote a political
solution to this crisis. The United States will continue working with
the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to the
Haitian people. Many nations are poised to help reestablish order and
stability in Haiti but they will not act until a viable political
solution is in place. The United States is preparing to support a
multinational interim security force in the context of a sustainable
political solution in Haiti.
The Department of Homeland Security is interdicting Haitian
migrants at sea and repatriating them to Haiti. As necessary, the U.S.
military is prepared to support that effort and to assist in the
evacuation of U.S. citizens.
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