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Aristide in Dominican Republic
 BBC has detailsHaitiâs President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has gone into exile after a three-week rebellion against his rule, the US and France governments say. Mr Aristide was said to be on his way to neighbouring Dominican Republic from where he will seek asylum. wonderful - close enough to meddle His departure came as rebels who control much of the country neared the capital, Port-au-Prince. The US and France had called on him to step down for the good of the Haitian people. An unmarked white jet took off from Port-au-Princeâs airport early Sunday morning, the Associated Press reported. Shortly afterwards, the White House and the French foreign minsitry confirmed that Mr Aristide had left power. On Saturday, Haitian rebel leader Guy Philippe said he had decided to hold off an attack on the besieged Haitian capital Port-au-Prince for "a day or two". The rebels are demanding Mr Aristideâs resignation - which he had continually insisted was out of the question. The rebellion, which erupted three weeks ago, has led to a breakdown in law and order. In Port-au-Prince, armed gangs loyal to Mr Aristide have been roaming the streets. In its strongest criticism to date, the United States on Saturday directly blamed Mr Aristide for the crisis. A written statement questioned the Haitian presidentâs "fitness to continue to govern Haiti". Posted by: rkb 2004-02-29 |
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