Haiti to issue ex-president Aristide with passport
(BBC) - The Haitian government says it is ready to issue former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide with a passport, opening the way for his possible return.
Mr Aristide was ousted seven years ago, and has been living in exile.
The news comes at a critical time, with the final results of the disputed first round of the presidential election due on Wednesday.
He would be the second ousted president to return, after the surprise arrival two weeks ago of Jean-Claude Duvalier. |
Haiti Agrees to Issue Passport for Aristide, Lawyer Says
(nytimes) - he Haitian government has agreed to issue a diplomatic passport to former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, his lawyer said Monday, potentially dropping a major hurdle that has prevented Mr. Aristide from returning home after seven years in exile.
The lawyer, Ira Kurzban, said he was notified of Haiti’s decision last week. He said he sent a letter to Haitian authorities on Monday requesting that Mr. Aristide’s passport be "issued immediately, and that plans for his return commence immediately."
A senior Haitian official told Reuters that Haiti’s Council of Ministers, under the direction of President René Préval, agreed to issue Mr. Aristide a passport if he asked for one. That decision was a significant reversal for Mr. Préval, who had refused Mr. Aristide’s request for a passport for years, partly in response to international pressure. |