THE 15-NATION CARICOM bloc yesterday called for an international inquiry into the ouster of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and is looking to "a body such as the United Nations" to institute the probe.
The call came at the end of a two-day emergency meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in Kingston, at which the leaders also agreed to provide humanitarian assistance to the Community's politically unstable member-state.
"Despite what we have heard in public and despite what we have learnt in private we simply say that the situation calls for an investigation of what transpired," Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, CARICOM chairman, told journalists at a Jamaica House press briefing.
At the same time, Mr. Patterson reiterated that the Heads of Government have agreed that they are not prepared to deliberate with "thugs and anarchists" parading as a new Haitian Government.
INDEPENDENT BODY
Mr. Patterson, who has since Sunday questioned the validity of the Haitian leader's sudden and unexpected resignation, added that the inquiry should be conducted under the watch of an independent international body. The Prime Minister noted that it was necessary to "clarify the circumstances leading to the relinquishing of the (Haitian) presidency" and that he would be willing to testify to what he knows.
Accompanied by other regional leaders, the CARICOM chairman was, however, unwilling to reveal many details about his conversations with President Aristide who is now in Africa.
He noted, however, that Mr. Aristide disclosed that he had no knowledge of where he was being taken during his trip into exile. In particular, he said, Mr. Aristide told the CARICOM leaders he was unaware that he was in Antigua during a brief 'technical' stop before continuing on to the Central African Republic.
This account contradicts reports that the Haitian leader had contacted officials while on that island.
"We have been unable to identify any such person to whom he may have spoken," Mr. Patterson said.
He added that the Antiguan Government said that no state or airport officials were allowed to enter the plane, nor did anyone on the plane disembark.
"The declaration which was made by the operators of the plane disclosed that there were no passengers aboard. Whether that indicates that those who were on board were regarded not as passengers, but as cargo, is something which I leave for you to determine," Mr. Patterson said.
According to Prime Minister Patterson, Mr. Aristide has indicated that he should soon be allowed to move more freely, at which time he should also be able to make his own decision on a final destination.
Speaking on the humanitarian assistance, Mr. Patterson noted that CARICOM had to remind itself that the decision to accept Haiti came out of a feeling that it was necessary to end years of isolation.
In addition, he said, there was a need to recognise United Nations resolution 1529, passed on Sunday and seeking to bring stability to the country.
"Having regard to the long-term needs of Haiti and the resources that are available to us within the Community, the area in which we can make the most meaningful contribution is... to provide humanitarian assistance to rebuild the economy and civil society (and) to the constitutional democratic structures, processes and institutions of the country," he said.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Edwin Carrington has been asked to set up a task force to co-ordinate and report on how this will be done at the next inter-sessional meeting scheduled for March 24 and 25.
