Haiti's new government almost bankrupt

[seemslikeadream]

Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Virtually bankrupt and faced with the costly mistakes of past governments, Haiti's interim leaders are trying to rebuild their shattered country - a daunting task as many ministries were looted and foreign aid is only trickling in.

The United Nations has raised a little over a quarter of the $35 million US in emergency relief needed to help stabilize Haiti after a three-week rebellion led President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to flee a month ago.

U.S.-backed interim Prime Minister Gerard Latortue is to meet foreign donors April 14 to appeal for more funds. Meantime, government agencies are virtually paralysed, unable to provide basic services like electricity and garbage collection.

"We have all this urgency and no funds to do anything," cabinet member Robert Ulysse said. "We're still trying to get the engine started, but we're not moving anywhere."

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1080703225591_76112425/?hub=World

[On the Road]

1. So What Else is New?

Haiti has been struggling for funds for years now, at the same time the US was blocking the $500 million in aid.

[seemslikeadream]

2. HAITI ALERT Searching for Haiti Policy: The Next Ninety Days

My personal thought. I do not agree with this site I am posting. It explains a few things. I'm sure that would be self evident to most here.


Overview

A damaging game of attrition characterizes negotiations to resolve Haiti's political stalemate.
Aristide regime prefers dealing with the international community rather than its domestic opponents, but this sustains mistrust within Haiti. Civil society negotiating efforts are a significant new factor.
The democratic political alternative to Aristide's Lavalas has gained ground in overcoming its credibility deficit but still lacks broad governance focus and distinctive leadership.
International community is fatigued and fearful of Haiti going off the rails and therefore eager to reach a deal.
Bush administration does not have its predecessor's personal ties with Aristide and prefers arms-length relationship. Yet, a distinctive policy stance and leadership has yet to emerge while the Haitian crisis deepens.
Recent OAS-Caricom mission to Haiti and ensuing General Assembly meeting in Costa Rica endorsed revised Aristide offer to break political stalemate. Negative and swift response from broad spectrum of Haiti's democratic opposition and civil society ensued.
Operational reality of OAS-Caricom deal faces immediate logistical, financial, and political hurdles. Real intent by Haitian regime is to trigger renewal of foreign aid flows.
Unity of international community following Costa Rica is uncertain.
Ninety-day outlook is grim.

http://www.csis.org/americas/pubs/h010619.htmOverview