Thousands demand Aristide return
By what right does the US get to decide who should or should not be the leader of Haiti? Haiti is one of the oldest American colonies. Those in the Middle East should understand that the reality behind the rhetoric of democracy is the sure future that after 50 years of "freedom" [with US military bases, Halliburton, and CIA "leaders" like Chalabi and Talabani] they will end up becoming like Haiti. This is the glorious future awaiting the Middle East. - WPA
Sunday, 16 July 2006, 01:44 GMT 02:44 UK
Thousands of people have demonstrated in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, demanding the return of exiled former President, Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Supporters chanted "Aristide or death!" and "Aristide's blood is our blood!" as they marched to the National Palace on the ex-leader's 53rd birthday.
Mr Aristide fled an armed revolt two years ago and is in South Africa. President Rene Preval had said during this year's election campaign he would consider allowing him to return home.However, the US has warned this could destabilise the country.
Political prisoners
Saturday's march was largely peaceful although there were some stand-offs with riot police. The protest was largely peaceful but there were some stand-offs. One of the rally's organisers, Andre Michelet, said: "We voted for Rene Preval to obtain the return of our leader."
Mr Preval won the presidential poll in February to become the first elected leader since Mr Aristide. Demonstrator Harold Lafaliese told Associated Press news agency: "The international community doesn't want Aristide to come back, so they're pressuring Preval to keep him out."
The demonstration has added to the pressure on Mr Preval, who has also faced a resurgence of gang violence that left 20 people dead in the past week. Saturday's protesters demanded the release of political prisoners held under the regime of Prime Minister Gerard Latortue, who took over after Mr Aristide fled.