Posted on 02/08/2002 2:08:41 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
NASSAU, Bahamas -- Secretary of State Colin Powell said Thursday the Bush administration will not support the release of $200 million in international aid to Haiti until President Jean-Bertrand Aristide takes steps to end the country's political crisis and make its democracy work better.
A long-running stalemate between Aristide and the Haitian opposition, fueled by episodes of corruption and political violence, makes it impossible for international donors to deliver contributions to Haiti with confidence, Powell said. He rejected a call from Caribbean governments to help free the $200 million, programmed by the Inter-American Development Bank but held up along with other aid funds from Europe and elsewhere until the political crisis is resolved.
"In the absence of a solid political system, there is good reason to have a lack of confidence," Powell said after a quick series of meetings here with members of the Caribbean Community, or Caricom. He noted that the United States nevertheless will provide $55 million in humanitarian aid to the impoverished country this year, working through nongovernmental agencies.
Caribbean leaders pressed Powell to do more for Haiti, arguing that the region's economic struggles should not be overlooked as the United States pursues its dual wars on terrorism and drugs.
The development agenda is "hostage" to the anti-terrorism effort, said Guyana's foreign minister, Samuel Insanally. The United States should develop "clearer and more consistent policies" toward the region, Insanally said. He urged greater access to U.S. markets, as well as an international development fund and help for thousands of convicted felons released from U.S. prisons and deported to their home countries.
"We stressed to the secretary that stability and security can only come from sustained economic development. This will be a strategy against terrorists and drug lords," Insanally told reporters. He said vigilance such as increased policing and patrols "have had an effect on our countries' budgets, which we can ill afford."
Powell primarily offered thanks. He said the administration favors more open trade and talked of providing advisers to help with airport security, money laundering and corruption. Also, the United States is contributing $20 million for AIDS prevention in the Caribbean, where the HIV infection rate is second per capita only to sub-Saharan Africa.
On Haiti, Powell reflected the widespread frustration of the administration and other foreign donors that the country is a violent, impoverished mess seven years after 24,000 U.S. soldiers ushered Aristide back to power. Aristide's Lavalas party and its rivals have been at an impasse since May 2000 elections that resulted in Lavalas winning 26 of 27 Senate seats. International observers concluded that the results were manipulated unfairly to help Lavalas.
Six months later, the opposition Democratic Convergence boycotted presidential elections that gave Aristide a new term. Foreign groups estimated that 20 percent of voters participated, but the Provisional Election Council put the turnout at 60 percent and said Aristide had won 90 percent of the vote. U.S. authorities believe new balloting should occur in the disputed legislative races, or fresh elections called, a State Department spokesman said.
Democracy, rights must be embraced, U.S. envoy tells Cubans (recognizes dissidents) [Excerpt] HAVANA -- Characterizing Cuba's current friendliness toward Americans as a "charm offensive" aimed at changing U.S. policy, the top U.S. diplomat in Havana said Thursday that the communist island must also embrace democracy and human rights if it expects restrictions on trade and travel to end.
"What happens if you give a lot of money to the Cuban government and it doesn't change?" asked Vicki Huddleston, chief of the U.S. Interests Section, the American mission here. "Then you find out you are just supporting Fidelismo," said Huddleston, using a term that signifies support for President Fidel Castro.
"Is there a better relationship? No," Huddleston told reporters. "The relationship is not improving because we are still concerned about human rights, democracy, the free flow of information." [End Excerpt]
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U.S. Criticizes Venezuela President's Style--[Excerpt] Secretary of State Colin Powell made the criticisms in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in response to a question about allegations oil-rich Venezuela is supporting leftist guerrillas in neighboring Colombia.
He said: "We have been concerned with some of the actions of Venezuelan President Chavez and his understanding of what a democratic system is all about," Powell said.
"We have also gone to some of our friends in the region to suggest to President Chavez that there are perhaps better ways to ... deal with the challenges his country is facing." [End Excerpt]
Sounds like Bush vs the dims in Congress.
Maybe it will encourage the opposition in these countries. I read this morning that a colonel in Chavez' army had openly criticized him, particularly regarding his buddyship with Fidel. Noticias muy alentadoras.
Yes! I'm very encouraged. Imagine how excited the citizens in these countries
are (if they've heard) to know America is back. It could spur good things from them.
Give it time, this is going in the right direction.
The GOP has suddenly become the SMART party.
"About Bloody Time" Bump.
It was a successful "feel good-do nothing" event. Just like his presidency.
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