Hold off transition, (Haitian) prime minister says

[Mika]

Mods: I accidently posted this in GD. Do as you see fit. Thanks


Hold off transition, prime minister says
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/8110219.htm

Haitian Prime Minister Yvon Neptune on Thursday said choice of a new prime minister and a transition government should be delayed until allegations about the resignation of Jean-Bertrand Aristide can be put to rest.

The former president, who remains in the Central African Republic, told a French writer Thursday that he wants to return to Haiti but would go to South Africa if he must.

Neptune, speaking by telephone from his office in Port-au-Prince, where he is under U.S. Marines protection, told The Herald that if Aristide's resignation this weekend occurred under duress, then it was not constitutional.

His calls for an investigation and a delay of the current process echo those of the Caribbean Community, which is demanding an international inquiry, and Aristide himself, who on Thursday called for a U.S. congressional probe.

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''There should be an investigation,'' said Neptune, who said he learned of Aristide's resignation only when provisional President Boniface Alexandre presented him with Aristide's signed resignation.

[htuttle]

1. Constitutional significance of this

Thought I'd repost my comment from your other thread as well. This seems like a very important development.

According to the Haitian Constitution, in order for 'provisional President Alexandre' to be sworn in, Prime Minister Neptune must convene the parliament for a vote to confirm.

If he does not, then Alexandre cannot legally be made 'provisional President' (maybe they think that title has a better ring to it than 'Proconsul' or 'Governor').

In short, Prime Minister Neptune has the constitutional authority to back up his words. Unless Bush administration wants to blatantly ignore Haiti's Constitution even worse than they already have, they have little choice but to go along with his request. That may give PM Neptune the power to back up his words as well (as long as the whole world keeps it's eyes on Haiti right now).

[Mika]

2. Good assessment

Thanks

The US commercial media will not help inform us in any way.

Its up to the OAS and CARICOM (and Maxine Waters, Charles Rangel, etc) to keep the pressure on now.

[eablair3]

3. i have little faith in the OAS

I'd hope even more countries speak up and call for investigations.

what's wrong with the UN?

[Tinoire]

4. It's all rigged. Look who's on the UN Security Council

China France UK US Russia (permanent members) with a few other countries "rotating"

Every single one of them lusting for oil and/or free labor.

No one in the UN has a real voice besides those 5 and their major disagreement seems to be on the distribution of the looted goods.

Tell me I'm too cynical Eablair3. Please.

[eablair3]

5. sorry, but 15-0 in UN

sorry, Tinoire. I can't tell you that you're too cynical.

I agree about the 5 permanent members, and I guess I don't know and haven't took the time to find out who the other 10 members were at the time of the 15-0 vote of the Security Council on Haiti. And, perhaps this was done before word got out on Aristide.

But, I was just a little surprised that I didn't hear at least one or a few of the rotating members at least raise the issue of how Aristide got ousted and try to tie it in to any sort of resolution. I guess I shouldn't be surprised at how the U.S. seems to get its way at the Security Council. But, 15-0. Was there or has there been any discussion there about how Aristide was removed?

[Tinoire]

6. I don't know

I haven't even been following. I gave up on the UN years ago. Every once in a while it seems that some countries try and make a stand but they're always vetoed by one of the 5 with veto powers.

I'll try to pay more attention to it but it seems like such a futile exercise. If you hear something, please post here. I was hoping you'd tell me that I was too cynical :( Really :)

Maybe China will? Or even Russia? I have no faith in the rest... and the 10 rotating members this year seem to be very little good little boys who have stood in line.

[daleo]

7. Neptune could be going to Pluto if he isn't careful

Upsetting the BFEE's plans can be hard on your health.