Military

DATE=4/14/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=HAITI'S FUTURE (L-Only)

NUMBER=2-315039

BYLINE=KENNETH SCHWARTZ

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

INTERNET=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The top U-S official for Western Hemisphere Affairs says Washington is committed to helping Haiti as it strives to establish a stable democracy and prosperous economy. The State Department official gave an assessment of Haiti's prospects at a forum in Washington Wednesday. V-O-A's Ken Schwartz brings us this report.

TEXT: U-S Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roger Noriega says Haitians have their best opportunity in a decade to break with what he calls "their terrible past," when their desires were smashed by corrupt leaders and an indifferent world.

/// NORIEGA ACT ///

After waiting for more than 200 years, Haitians deserve democracy and a government that looks out for their interests. ... The Bush administration believes in, and will do our part in Haiti, and that Haiti will get the democracy that it deserves.

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Mr. Noriega called the years under Jean-Bertrand Aristide -- the former president who went into exile after a revolt forced him to step down earlier this year -- a disappointing chapter in Haitian history, full of violence and corruption.

/// NORIEGA ACT ///

I'm convinced that President Aristide himself is to blame for his own political demise. Had he not encouraged, and (instead) condemned political violence, he would have had much greater moral authority and political sympathy. Had he not corrupted the state and police force, his government could have withstood the challenge brought on by a handful of rebels.

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After his recent visit to Haiti, Secretary of State Colin Powell said the government of interim Haitian President Boniface Alexandre and Prime Minister Gerard Latortue is off to a good start. Elections are planned for next year. A multi-national force is restoring security in Port-au-Prince. Talks on a U-N peacekeeping force, in which Brazil hopes to take the lead role, are under way.

Mr. Noriega says U-S plans for Haiti include involving the Haitian diaspora from such places as Miami, New York, and Montreal. He said these people have development skills and know what Haiti really needs

/// NORIEGA ACT ///

That is maybe the secret weapon that we have in mind, is engaging these talented people, getting them back in, and giving them a shot.

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The White House also plans to send teams of advisers to every Haitian government ministry, including public finance, the judiciary and police. It also plans an urgent three-year program to create tens-of-thousands of jobs to improve cities, fix riot damage and show Haitians that their nation is building for the future.

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