[R-G] Calls for UN probe into Aristide exit

[Richard Menec]

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http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/602560C5-CB06-4471-A4BE-D7DB512CED80.htm>

Calls for UN probe into Aristide exit


Thursday 04 March 2004, 20:28 Makka Time, 17:28 GMT

Controversy surrounds Aristide departure from Haiti

South Africa has called for a probe into the circumstances leading
to the exit of ousted Haitian leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

It would be a serious breach of international law if it was proved
that he had been forced to quit, said the country's Foreign Minister
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

"The suggestion that President Aristide may have been forced out
of office, if true, will have serious consequences and ramifications
for the respect of the rule of law and democracy the world over,"
she said.

"The international community must not be seen to be wavering in its
commitment to democracy and the respect for the rule of law,
particularly in the face of anti-democratic forces," Dlamini-Zuma said.

"In this regard, we join in the call for an investigation under the
auspices of the UN to clarify these circumstances leading to the
departure of President Aristide," she said.

UN criticised

Dlamini-Zuma, who is currently in New Delhi, also slammed the
United Nations for its slow-footed action on Haiti.

"The slow response of the UN Security Council to pleas for
assistance by the government of Haiti, however, remains a matter
of serious concern," she said.

She said the Security Council "should remain true to its mandate
of being an organ for the collective security for all and therefore
respond speedily to conflict situations with a view to the restoration
of peace and stability."

On Wednesday, Caribbean Community president Percival
Patterson described Aristide's departure from power as a
"dangerous precedent," and said that area leaders will not negotiate
with rebel leaders in Haiti.

The Caricom chief also called for a top level independent
investigation into Aristide's departure.

"The unconstitutional removal of any leader cannot be condoned,"
Patterson said.

"What has happened represents a very dangerous precedent not
only for Haiti but for all democratically elected leaders and
governments throughout the world," he said.

Aristide, speaking from exile in the Central African Republic, claims
he was pushed from power by the United States. Washington has
strenuously denied it did other than accompany Aristide to safety
and exile once he called for help.