[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 25 (Monday, March 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E371-E372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF HAITIAN COUP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 7, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, March 1st marked a solemn anniversary for 
the people of Haiti. It was the first anniversary of the forced removal 
of the President Jean Bertrand Aristide, the nation's democratically 
elected leader. In many ways, conditions are worse since Aristide's 
removal because of the widespread destabilization and human-rights 
violations perpetrated by the lawless elements which overthrew the 
Aristide government.
  There is presently increased violence in Haiti as Aristide supporters 
have intensified protests demanding his return from exile in South 
Africa. The protests have resulted in armed conflicts involving street 
gangs, police, U.N. peacekeepers, and protesters, killing more than 250 
people.
  A telling statistic is that since Aristide fell, more people have 
been killed in one year than were killed in the three years of 
Aristide's government. To add to the political crisis, Haiti has 
suffered natural disasters which have created economic devastation in 
the country. Flooding devastated Haiti in May and September, killing 
thousands. Instability has hampered the delivery of humanitarian aid, 
which is critical to a country where 80 percent of the population lives 
below the absolute poverty line of $150 per year.
  As we mark this anniversary of the overthrow of President Aristide, 
it is helpful to look at how it occurred. After months of increasing 
tension and instability, the Haitian conflict came to a head in March 
of 2004. With rebel forces moving toward the capital of Port-au-Prince, 
and no support from the United States, or France, the country's 
President Jean Bertrand Aristide was forced to leave the country.
  Supreme Court Chief Justice Boniface Alexandre was sworn in as 
President on February 29 in accordance with a constitutionally mandated 
succession plan. Regardless, the events surrounding Aristide's 
departure precipitated an upsurge in violence and instability in the 
country.
  It should be pointed out that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) had 
sought to mediate the situation before Aristide's removal. It had 
called for a tripartite commission, consisting of one representative 
each from Aristide's Lavalas party, the civil opposition, and the 
international community. The proposal was accepted by Aristide, but 
rejected by the opposition. Interestingly, after Aristide's removal, 
the opposition accepted a similar proposal.
  This was not taken lightly by CARICOM, which viewed the opposition's 
initial rejection of the proposal as proof that they were solely 
interested in ousting Aristide. As a result, CARICOM has refused to 
recognize the current government and still views Aristide as the 
legitimate leader of Haiti. They have additionally called for a U.N. 
investigation into Aristide's removal.
  In addition, several Congressmen, including myself and other members 
of the Congressional Black Caucus, have criticized the Bush 
Administration for President Aristide's forced departure from Haiti. As 
we see it, the Bush Administration refused to provide any assistance to 
stop the escalating violence in Haiti until Aristide resigned. This has 
damaged our global reputation as guardians of democratically elected 
governments.
  We have also displayed a willingness to allow democratically elected 
governments to be dismantled if they fall out of favor with our 
Administration. Many Congressmen have called for independent 
investigations into what amounted to a coup d'etat, and the extent, if 
any, of U.S. involvement. This is vital, as the suspicious nature of 
Aristide's removal will no doubt continue to erode the credibility of 
the current Haitian government.
  Concerns have also been raised about the civil opposition, 
collectedly known as the Democratic Platform in Haiti. Many question 
the right of the civil opposition to participate in an interim 
government, given their rejection of political solutions that did not 
involve Aristide's resignation, including the one proposed by CARICOM 
and supported by the United States.
  Many also question the degree of cooperation between the formal 
opposition and the armed rebels who forced President Aristide from 
power, though the opposition denies any link to the rebels. Observers 
have warned that if there is a link, the rebels will soon demand 
recompense for their assistance--mainly reconstitution of the Haitian 
military, which was disbanded under Aristide's tenure. Reluctance on 
the part of the current leadership to acquiesce could result in 
conflict.
  In response to the crisis, the U.N. authorized a Stabilization 
Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Haitian Prime Minister Gerard Latortue 
requested more troops from the U.S., to help the U.N. contingent in 
establishing security. With the exception of a 200 soldier humanitarian 
mission arriving throughout the month of February, the Administration 
has no plans to increase its military presence in the country, beyond 
its current contingent of six.
  An agreement between the interim government, the U.N., and the OAS 
was entered into on August 23, 2004 to hold presidential, 
parliamentary, and local elections in late 2005. Members of former 
President Aristide's Lavalas party have threatened to boycott the

[[Page E372]]

elections in response to what they view as sustained and systematic 
persecution at the hands of the current government.
  All this begs the question why did we allow this to happen? While the 
answer to that question remains a mystery, the crisis currently facing 
Haiti as a result of the decision to remove President Aristide from 
office will continue without any prospect of peace until a legitimate 
government is established.

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