"TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES" IN UPCOMING HAITI ELECTION

CONDLOLEEZA RICE TRIPPED UP on some of the “technical problems” in the upcoming elections in Haiti [link]  Here is what Secretary of State Rice had to say when she appeared with installed by the United States Haitian strong man and unelected Prime Minister Gerard Latortue last month.

Everybody with whom I spoke focused on the fact that there must be a transfer of power by the 7th of February and that everybody believes that that is necessary for stability here in Haiti. But in order to get there, you have to have elections and there are successive elections that have to take place. And so they are really in many ways, George, just technical matters that need to be dealt with, like the registration of polling places. . . . . Well, in terms of the situation here, I have talked to the Prime Minister and to the President about the importance of the justice system accelerating the consideration of the cases of high-profile people like former Prime Minister Neptune and now Father Jean-Juste because, as I've said to the Prime Minister, justice has to come in a timely fashion and it should not be the case that anyone can interpret that there is some kind of political motive here. And so it is extremely important that these cases be dealt with in a timely and, indeed, quick fashion.

As to Mr. Aristide himself, I am certain if there are any issues there that the international community will be prepared to cooperate. But it seems to me that the Haitian people seem very focused right now on moving on to their future. I am led to understand that this is an election in which candidates are registering from a wide variety of political perspectives, including from Lavalas. That's important. And the key here now is that those who want to participate in this election should be allowed to participate.

IRONY ABOUNDS in Rice’s statement as Mister Aristide was forcibly removed from his freely elected rule in Haiti by United States forces.  Pure saints in Haiti are few and Aristide has played the political game by violent terms, some more than others.  One “technical” problem in the elections Secretary of State Rice barely touched on is that Father Gerard Jean-Juste, Lavalas candidate for President, is still in jail.

THE HERETIK GOT ANOTHER E MAIL from Bill Quigley, the noted civil rights attorney, who serves as counsel to Jean-Juste.  No link, but Quigley passes along some thoughts from the chained champion of Lavalas:

Prison-Pacot, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
October 12, 2005

Dear Friends c/o Avoka Bill,

On this 84th day of jail, I am still helping my parish by remote control. A week ago, I did send my appeal to the Vatican concerning the Port-au-Prince Archdiocese decree to suspend me from the priest duties at St. Clare’s. I addressed it directly to the Holy Father. I sent a copy to Archbishop Miot and another one to the Papal Nuncio.
 
This passed Monday, Oct. 10, we received the visit of a US Congress delegation. There were three democrats and one republican, accompanied by their staff and the US Embassy personnel. Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D. MI) introduced his republican colleague Pete Hoekstra as well as Charles Rangel (D. NY) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D. CA). After a short introduction from each, I briefed them about the Haiti stabbing democracy. I stressed about respecting all
the principles of democracy. I denounced the exclusion practiced by the CEP and the terrible disorganization within the Council. I reminded them the way a sector within the International Community insisted that the Iraqis Diaspora voted in Iraq elections. Meanwhile it’s complete exclusion for the Haitian Diaspora. I denounced the beating that you and I received from a mob supported by the de facto government officials. In your case, there was no reaction from the US embassy.  I was arrested and still in jail and the mob enjoys impunity. I spoke also about the church decree as Rep. Lee mentioned it earlier. My health issue was questioned too.
 
They spent some time with Prime Minister Yvon Neptune. They left the country unnoticed as they came. Rep. Conyers mentioned they are members of the Judiciary Committee and they are all lawyers. Mr. Ron Daniel was a staff member accompanying them. I am waiting to hear from them. If you have a chance, please thank them for me.

Judge Jean Peres Paul has not published his ordinance in my case. I am still waiting.  Probably, you have heard that the Haiti elections have been postponed. It is a complete mess. I am fearful for the environment. It is lightly raining the last
five days. Some areas are already flooded.

Please give my greetings to all my friends in the US and other countries.  It was great to see you recently. I’ve just spoken to people at St. Clare’s. They are fine. They were happy with the church service last Sunday.

Please, express my gratitude and greetings to all. Keep up the faith and praise God for life!
Fraternally yours in Jesus!
NJeri

THE UNITED STATES HAS DONE much to ensure elections in Iraq, Haiti still waits for the same.  Condoleezza Rice spoke with James Rosen of Fox in an interview in Haiti last month [United States State Department link]

The security situation here in Haiti has clearly improved over the last several months. MINUSTAH which is, of course, the UN peacekeeping operation headed by Brazil is being, I think, somewhat more aggressive in dealing with some of the problems here. That is something that they wanted to do and they now have the ability to do it. They also are working in closer coordination with a reforming Haitian police force. It is not yet a complete reform, but there is a new Director General of the police forces here. And by all accounts, the Haitian police are also doing better. So the security situation has improved. It's still not ideal by any stretch of the imagination.

“SOMEWHAT MORE AGGRESSIVE”, according to many Haitians is a euphemism for killing off the political opposition to LaTortue. Zmag has a long list of incidents worth reading.  One “technical difficulty” in the upcoming elections Condoleezza Rice might want to consider is how hard it is to vote when you are dead.

PREVIOUS HERETIK POSTS ON HAITI [Death In Daylight]  [Dog Days] [Putting Out The Fire] [Island Of Ghosts] [Wanted: Truth On Dread Wilme]