Aristide was kidnapped by Bush!

Activist claims Aristide kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) - Former Haitian President
Jean-Bertrand Aristide reportedly telephoned members of Congress and
African-American activist Randall Robinson, Monday and told them he
had been kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops. Top Bush administration
officials denied it.

Aristide said he was being held prisoner at the Renaissance Palace in
Bangui, Central African Republic, said Randall Robinson.

The United States has said that it facilitated Aristide's departure at
his request. White House spokesman Scott McClellan called the claim
"complete nonsense."

"It was Mr. Aristide's decision to resign," he said.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also said the Haitian leader left
the country of his own accord.

"The idea that someone was abducted is just totally inconsistent with
everything I heard or saw," Rumsfeld said.

Robinson spawned the series of denials by saying Aristide was a coup
victim.

"He asked that I tell the world that it is a coup. That he was
abducted by American soldiers and put aboard a plane," said Robinson,
the founder and former president of the TransAfrica lobbying forum in
Washington D.C. Robinson lives on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

Robinson said Aristide claimed he was being held prisoner in the
Central African Republic at a building surrounded by soldiers.

There were indeed soldiers around the palace where Aristide is staying
in Bangui.

But officials here disputed the charge. "Aristide is not a prisoner in
the Central African Republic," Foreign Minister Charles Wenezoui, who
greeted the ousted leader upon his arrival at Bangui's airport this
morning, told The Associated Press.

Aristide, his wife and a few companions landed just after daylight in
the Central African Republic, a nation as impoverished and nearly as
coup-prone as the one he left.

"He is a free man, and the heavy security measures around the
presidential palace are for his own security," Wenezoui said.

Authorities said the United States, France and the West African nation
of Gabon negotiated Aristide's asylum here. State radio said it would
last only a few days, with South Africa possibly a permanent stop.

In his first public remarks since fleeing Haiti on Sunday, Aristide
condemned the armed insurgency that forced him out — yet said nothing
about returning.

"In overthrowing me, they cut down the tree of peace," Aristide
declared on state radio. "But it will grow again, because the roots
are well-planted."

Earlier, government ministers stood by as Aristide descended from a
jet in a rumpled suit and a firmly knotted tie. His wife, looking
worried, was by his side.

AP exclusively viewed a videotape of Aristide's arrival, which lacked
the red carpet and greeting from the host head of state usually
afforded dignitaries. No soldiers were visible as Aristide disembarked
from the plane.

Officials drove the couple to the palace of the Central African
Republic's leader — Gen. Francois Bozize, who came to power in March
2002 by overthrowing this country's elected leader.

Aristide apparently remained in the palace throughout the day.
Soldiers were out in heavier than usual numbers around the
presidential compound, and turned back an AP reporter who tried to
approach.

It was not clear how it was decided that Aristide would come to the
Central African Republic. However, Bozize has been courting
international support and aid as he tries to restore stability to his
country.

"He's here with his wife, and we've granted them asylum for the
beginning, and then we'll see what happens," Communications Minister
Parfait Mbaye told AP, adding Aristide's ultimate fate could be known
"in the days to come."

On the flight from Haiti, Aristide told a Caribbean official on the
island of Antigua that he was bound for South Africa, the official
said.

In Pretoria, South Africa's capital, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz
Pahad said his country did not "in principle, have any opposition" to
taking in Aristide. Pahad said he knew of no formal asylum request.

In his statement on state radio, Aristide thanked Central African
Republic authorities, and saluted Africa and its people — "because
Africa is the father of us, Haitian men and women."

Although rich in gold, diamond and other resources, the Central
African Republic is habitually unable to pay its civil servants,
helping spark strikes, unrest and coup attempts. The country has
weathered nine coups or coup attempts since independence from France
in 1960.

How long before they start telling the media he was stockpiling WMDs ???

"leduc" wrote in message
news:k6j740lvedmp0v1ape76dem0jjacq5hd9r@usenet...
Activist claims Aristide kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) - Former Haitian President
Jean-Bertrand Aristide reportedly telephoned members of Congress and
African-American activist Randall Robinson, Monday and told them he
had been kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops. Top Bush administration
officials denied it.

Aristide said he was being held prisoner at the Renaissance Palace in
Bangui, Central African Republic, said Randall Robinson.

The United States has said that it facilitated Aristide's departure at
his request. White House spokesman Scott McClellan called the claim
"complete nonsense."

"It was Mr. Aristide's decision to resign," he said.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also said the Haitian leader left
the country of his own accord.

"The idea that someone was abducted is just totally inconsistent with
everything I heard or saw," Rumsfeld said.

Robinson spawned the series of denials by saying Aristide was a coup
victim.

"He asked that I tell the world that it is a coup. That he was
abducted by American soldiers and put aboard a plane," said Robinson,
the founder and former president of the TransAfrica lobbying forum in
Washington D.C. Robinson lives on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

Robinson said Aristide claimed he was being held prisoner in the
Central African Republic at a building surrounded by soldiers.

There were indeed soldiers around the palace where Aristide is staying
in Bangui.

But officials here disputed the charge. "Aristide is not a prisoner in
the Central African Republic," Foreign Minister Charles Wenezoui, who
greeted the ousted leader upon his arrival at Bangui's airport this
morning, told The Associated Press.

Aristide, his wife and a few companions landed just after daylight in
the Central African Republic, a nation as impoverished and nearly as
coup-prone as the one he left.

"He is a free man, and the heavy security measures around the
presidential palace are for his own security," Wenezoui said.

Authorities said the United States, France and the West African nation
of Gabon negotiated Aristide's asylum here. State radio said it would
last only a few days, with South Africa possibly a permanent stop.

In his first public remarks since fleeing Haiti on Sunday, Aristide
condemned the armed insurgency that forced him out - yet said nothing
about returning.

"In overthrowing me, they cut down the tree of peace," Aristide
declared on state radio. "But it will grow again, because the roots
are well-planted."

Earlier, government ministers stood by as Aristide descended from a
jet in a rumpled suit and a firmly knotted tie. His wife, looking
worried, was by his side.

AP exclusively viewed a videotape of Aristide's arrival, which lacked
the red carpet and greeting from the host head of state usually
afforded dignitaries. No soldiers were visible as Aristide disembarked
from the plane.

Officials drove the couple to the palace of the Central African
Republic's leader - Gen. Francois Bozize, who came to power in March
2002 by overthrowing this country's elected leader.

Aristide apparently remained in the palace throughout the day.
Soldiers were out in heavier than usual numbers around the
presidential compound, and turned back an AP reporter who tried to
approach.

It was not clear how it was decided that Aristide would come to the
Central African Republic. However, Bozize has been courting
international support and aid as he tries to restore stability to his
country.

"He's here with his wife, and we've granted them asylum for the
beginning, and then we'll see what happens," Communications Minister
Parfait Mbaye told AP, adding Aristide's ultimate fate could be known
"in the days to come."

On the flight from Haiti, Aristide told a Caribbean official on the
island of Antigua that he was bound for South Africa, the official
said.

In Pretoria, South Africa's capital, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz
Pahad said his country did not "in principle, have any opposition" to
taking in Aristide. Pahad said he knew of no formal asylum request.

In his statement on state radio, Aristide thanked Central African
Republic authorities, and saluted Africa and its people - "because
Africa is the father of us, Haitian men and women."

Although rich in gold, diamond and other resources, the Central
African Republic is habitually unable to pay its civil servants,
helping spark strikes, unrest and coup attempts. The country has
weathered nine coups or coup attempts since independence from France
in 1960.

Less time that it takes morons like you to believe this crap.



On Mon, 1 Mar 2004 20:49:33 -0500, "Keyz Man"
wrote:

How long before they start telling the media he was stockpiling WMDs ???

"leduc" wrote in message
news:k6j740lvedmp0v1ape76dem0jjacq5hd9r@usenet. ..
Activist claims Aristide kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) - Former Haitian President
Jean-Bertrand Aristide reportedly telephoned members of Congress and
African-American activist Randall Robinson, Monday and told them he
had been kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops. Top Bush administration
officials denied it.

Aristide said he was being held prisoner at the Renaissance Palace in
Bangui, Central African Republic, said Randall Robinson.

The United States has said that it facilitated Aristide's departure at
his request. White House spokesman Scott McClellan called the claim
"complete nonsense."

"It was Mr. Aristide's decision to resign," he said.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also said the Haitian leader left
the country of his own accord.

"The idea that someone was abducted is just totally inconsistent with
everything I heard or saw," Rumsfeld said.

Robinson spawned the series of denials by saying Aristide was a coup
victim.

"He asked that I tell the world that it is a coup. That he was
abducted by American soldiers and put aboard a plane," said Robinson,
the founder and former president of the TransAfrica lobbying forum in
Washington D.C. Robinson lives on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

Robinson said Aristide claimed he was being held prisoner in the
Central African Republic at a building surrounded by soldiers.

There were indeed soldiers around the palace where Aristide is staying
in Bangui.

But officials here disputed the charge. "Aristide is not a prisoner in
the Central African Republic," Foreign Minister Charles Wenezoui, who
greeted the ousted leader upon his arrival at Bangui's airport this
morning, told The Associated Press.

Aristide, his wife and a few companions landed just after daylight in
the Central African Republic, a nation as impoverished and nearly as
coup-prone as the one he left.

"He is a free man, and the heavy security measures around the
presidential palace are for his own security," Wenezoui said.

Authorities said the United States, France and the West African nation
of Gabon negotiated Aristide's asylum here. State radio said it would
last only a few days, with South Africa possibly a permanent stop.

In his first public remarks since fleeing Haiti on Sunday, Aristide
condemned the armed insurgency that forced him out - yet said nothing
about returning.

"In overthrowing me, they cut down the tree of peace," Aristide
declared on state radio. "But it will grow again, because the roots
are well-planted."

Earlier, government ministers stood by as Aristide descended from a
jet in a rumpled suit and a firmly knotted tie. His wife, looking
worried, was by his side.

AP exclusively viewed a videotape of Aristide's arrival, which lacked
the red carpet and greeting from the host head of state usually
afforded dignitaries. No soldiers were visible as Aristide disembarked
from the plane.

Officials drove the couple to the palace of the Central African
Republic's leader - Gen. Francois Bozize, who came to power in March
2002 by overthrowing this country's elected leader.

Aristide apparently remained in the palace throughout the day.
Soldiers were out in heavier than usual numbers around the
presidential compound, and turned back an AP reporter who tried to
approach.

It was not clear how it was decided that Aristide would come to the
Central African Republic. However, Bozize has been courting
international support and aid as he tries to restore stability to his
country.

"He's here with his wife, and we've granted them asylum for the
beginning, and then we'll see what happens," Communications Minister
Parfait Mbaye told AP, adding Aristide's ultimate fate could be known
"in the days to come."

On the flight from Haiti, Aristide told a Caribbean official on the
island of Antigua that he was bound for South Africa, the official
said.

In Pretoria, South Africa's capital, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz
Pahad said his country did not "in principle, have any opposition" to
taking in Aristide. Pahad said he knew of no formal asylum request.

In his statement on state radio, Aristide thanked Central African
Republic authorities, and saluted Africa and its people - "because
Africa is the father of us, Haitian men and women."

Although rich in gold, diamond and other resources, the Central
African Republic is habitually unable to pay its civil servants,
helping spark strikes, unrest and coup attempts. The country has
weathered nine coups or coup attempts since independence from France
in 1960.

God bless Maxine Waters for telling the truth about Bush and Cheney..way to
go kid.
wrote in message
...
Less time that it takes morons like you to believe this crap.



On Mon, 1 Mar 2004 20:49:33 -0500, "Keyz Man"
wrote:

How long before they start telling the media he was stockpiling WMDs ???

"leduc" wrote in message
news:k6j740lvedmp0v1ape76dem0jjacq5hd9r@usenet. ..
Activist claims Aristide kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) - Former Haitian President
Jean-Bertrand Aristide reportedly telephoned members of Congress and
African-American activist Randall Robinson, Monday and told them he
had been kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops. Top Bush administration
officials denied it.

Aristide said he was being held prisoner at the Renaissance Palace in
Bangui, Central African Republic, said Randall Robinson.

The United States has said that it facilitated Aristide's departure at
his request. White House spokesman Scott McClellan called the claim
"complete nonsense."

"It was Mr. Aristide's decision to resign," he said.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also said the Haitian leader left
the country of his own accord.

"The idea that someone was abducted is just totally inconsistent with
everything I heard or saw," Rumsfeld said.

Robinson spawned the series of denials by saying Aristide was a coup
victim.

"He asked that I tell the world that it is a coup. That he was
abducted by American soldiers and put aboard a plane," said Robinson,
the founder and former president of the TransAfrica lobbying forum in
Washington D.C. Robinson lives on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

Robinson said Aristide claimed he was being held prisoner in the
Central African Republic at a building surrounded by soldiers.

There were indeed soldiers around the palace where Aristide is staying
in Bangui.

But officials here disputed the charge. "Aristide is not a prisoner in
the Central African Republic," Foreign Minister Charles Wenezoui, who
greeted the ousted leader upon his arrival at Bangui's airport this
morning, told The Associated Press.

Aristide, his wife and a few companions landed just after daylight in
the Central African Republic, a nation as impoverished and nearly as
coup-prone as the one he left.

"He is a free man, and the heavy security measures around the
presidential palace are for his own security," Wenezoui said.

Authorities said the United States, France and the West African nation
of Gabon negotiated Aristide's asylum here. State radio said it would
last only a few days, with South Africa possibly a permanent stop.

In his first public remarks since fleeing Haiti on Sunday, Aristide
condemned the armed insurgency that forced him out - yet said nothing
about returning.

"In overthrowing me, they cut down the tree of peace," Aristide
declared on state radio. "But it will grow again, because the roots
are well-planted."

Earlier, government ministers stood by as Aristide descended from a
jet in a rumpled suit and a firmly knotted tie. His wife, looking
worried, was by his side.

AP exclusively viewed a videotape of Aristide's arrival, which lacked
the red carpet and greeting from the host head of state usually
afforded dignitaries. No soldiers were visible as Aristide disembarked
from the plane.

Officials drove the couple to the palace of the Central African
Republic's leader - Gen. Francois Bozize, who came to power in March
2002 by overthrowing this country's elected leader.

Aristide apparently remained in the palace throughout the day.
Soldiers were out in heavier than usual numbers around the
presidential compound, and turned back an AP reporter who tried to
approach.

It was not clear how it was decided that Aristide would come to the
Central African Republic. However, Bozize has been courting
international support and aid as he tries to restore stability to his
country.

"He's here with his wife, and we've granted them asylum for the
beginning, and then we'll see what happens," Communications Minister
Parfait Mbaye told AP, adding Aristide's ultimate fate could be known
"in the days to come."

On the flight from Haiti, Aristide told a Caribbean official on the
island of Antigua that he was bound for South Africa, the official
said.

In Pretoria, South Africa's capital, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz
Pahad said his country did not "in principle, have any opposition" to
taking in Aristide. Pahad said he knew of no formal asylum request.

In his statement on state radio, Aristide thanked Central African
Republic authorities, and saluted Africa and its people - "because
Africa is the father of us, Haitian men and women."

Although rich in gold, diamond and other resources, the Central
African Republic is habitually unable to pay its civil servants,
helping spark strikes, unrest and coup attempts. The country has
weathered nine coups or coup attempts since independence from France
in 1960.

On Mon, 1 Mar 2004 20:49:33 -0500, "Keyz Man"
wrote:

How long before they start telling the media he was stockpiling WMDs ???

"leduc" wrote in message
news:k6j740lvedmp0v1ape76dem0jjacq5hd9r@usenet. ..
Activist claims Aristide kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) - Former Haitian President
Jean-Bertrand Aristide reportedly telephoned members of Congress and
African-American activist Randall Robinson, Monday and told them he
had been kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops. Top Bush administration
officials denied it.

Aristide said he was being held prisoner at the Renaissance Palace in
Bangui, Central African Republic, said Randall Robinson.

The United States has said that it facilitated Aristide's departure at
his request. White House spokesman Scott McClellan called the claim
"complete nonsense."

"It was Mr. Aristide's decision to resign," he said.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also said the Haitian leader left
the country of his own accord.

"The idea that someone was abducted is just totally inconsistent with
everything I heard or saw," Rumsfeld said.

Robinson spawned the series of denials by saying Aristide was a coup
victim.

"He asked that I tell the world that it is a coup. That he was
abducted by American soldiers and put aboard a plane," said Robinson,
the founder and former president of the TransAfrica lobbying forum in
Washington D.C. Robinson lives on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

Robinson said Aristide claimed he was being held prisoner in the
Central African Republic at a building surrounded by soldiers.

There were indeed soldiers around the palace where Aristide is staying
in Bangui.

But officials here disputed the charge. "Aristide is not a prisoner in
the Central African Republic," Foreign Minister Charles Wenezoui, who
greeted the ousted leader upon his arrival at Bangui's airport this
morning, told The Associated Press.

Aristide, his wife and a few companions landed just after daylight in
the Central African Republic, a nation as impoverished and nearly as
coup-prone as the one he left.

"He is a free man, and the heavy security measures around the
presidential palace are for his own security," Wenezoui said.

Authorities said the United States, France and the West African nation
of Gabon negotiated Aristide's asylum here. State radio said it would
last only a few days, with South Africa possibly a permanent stop.

In his first public remarks since fleeing Haiti on Sunday, Aristide
condemned the armed insurgency that forced him out - yet said nothing
about returning.

"In overthrowing me, they cut down the tree of peace," Aristide
declared on state radio. "But it will grow again, because the roots
are well-planted."

Earlier, government ministers stood by as Aristide descended from a
jet in a rumpled suit and a firmly knotted tie. His wife, looking
worried, was by his side.

AP exclusively viewed a videotape of Aristide's arrival, which lacked
the red carpet and greeting from the host head of state usually
afforded dignitaries. No soldiers were visible as Aristide disembarked
from the plane.

Officials drove the couple to the palace of the Central African
Republic's leader - Gen. Francois Bozize, who came to power in March
2002 by overthrowing this country's elected leader.

Aristide apparently remained in the palace throughout the day.
Soldiers were out in heavier than usual numbers around the
presidential compound, and turned back an AP reporter who tried to
approach.

It was not clear how it was decided that Aristide would come to the
Central African Republic. However, Bozize has been courting
international support and aid as he tries to restore stability to his
country.

"He's here with his wife, and we've granted them asylum for the
beginning, and then we'll see what happens," Communications Minister
Parfait Mbaye told AP, adding Aristide's ultimate fate could be known
"in the days to come."

On the flight from Haiti, Aristide told a Caribbean official on the
island of Antigua that he was bound for South Africa, the official
said.

In Pretoria, South Africa's capital, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz
Pahad said his country did not "in principle, have any opposition" to
taking in Aristide. Pahad said he knew of no formal asylum request.

In his statement on state radio, Aristide thanked Central African
Republic authorities, and saluted Africa and its people - "because
Africa is the father of us, Haitian men and women."

Although rich in gold, diamond and other resources, the Central
African Republic is habitually unable to pay its civil servants,
helping spark strikes, unrest and coup attempts. The country has
weathered nine coups or coup attempts since independence from France
in 1960.

leduc wrote in message news:k6j740lvedmp0v1ape76dem0jjacq5hd9r@usenet.. .
Activist claims Aristide kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) - Former Haitian President
Jean-Bertrand Aristide reportedly telephoned members of Congress and
African-American activist Randall Robinson, Monday and told them he
had been kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops. Top Bush administration
officials denied it.

Aristide said he was being held prisoner at the Renaissance Palace in
Bangui, Central African Republic, said Randall Robinson.

The United States has said that it facilitated Aristide's departure at
his request. White House spokesman Scott McClellan called the claim
"complete nonsense."

"It was Mr. Aristide's decision to resign," he said.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also said the Haitian leader left
the country of his own accord.

"The idea that someone was abducted is just totally inconsistent with
everything I heard or saw," Rumsfeld said.

Robinson spawned the series of denials by saying Aristide was a coup
victim.

"He asked that I tell the world that it is a coup. That he was
abducted by American soldiers and put aboard a plane," said Robinson,
the founder and former president of the TransAfrica lobbying forum in
Washington D.C. Robinson lives on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

Robinson said Aristide claimed he was being held prisoner in the
Central African Republic at a building surrounded by soldiers.

There were indeed soldiers around the palace where Aristide is staying
in Bangui.

But officials here disputed the charge. "Aristide is not a prisoner in
the Central African Republic," Foreign Minister Charles Wenezoui, who
greeted the ousted leader upon his arrival at Bangui's airport this
morning, told The Associated Press.

Aristide, his wife and a few companions landed just after daylight in
the Central African Republic, a nation as impoverished and nearly as
coup-prone as the one he left.

"He is a free man, and the heavy security measures around the
presidential palace are for his own security," Wenezoui said.

Authorities said the United States, France and the West African nation
of Gabon negotiated Aristide's asylum here. State radio said it would
last only a few days, with South Africa possibly a permanent stop.

In his first public remarks since fleeing Haiti on Sunday, Aristide
condemned the armed insurgency that forced him out ? yet said nothing
about returning.

"In overthrowing me, they cut down the tree of peace," Aristide
declared on state radio. "But it will grow again, because the roots
are well-planted."

Earlier, government ministers stood by as Aristide descended from a
jet in a rumpled suit and a firmly knotted tie. His wife, looking
worried, was by his side.

AP exclusively viewed a videotape of Aristide's arrival, which lacked
the red carpet and greeting from the host head of state usually
afforded dignitaries. No soldiers were visible as Aristide disembarked
from the plane.

Officials drove the couple to the palace of the Central African
Republic's leader ? Gen. Francois Bozize, who came to power in March
2002 by overthrowing this country's elected leader.

Aristide apparently remained in the palace throughout the day.
Soldiers were out in heavier than usual numbers around the
presidential compound, and turned back an AP reporter who tried to
approach.

It was not clear how it was decided that Aristide would come to the
Central African Republic. However, Bozize has been courting
international support and aid as he tries to restore stability to his
country.

"He's here with his wife, and we've granted them asylum for the
beginning, and then we'll see what happens," Communications Minister
Parfait Mbaye told AP, adding Aristide's ultimate fate could be known
"in the days to come."

On the flight from Haiti, Aristide told a Caribbean official on the
island of Antigua that he was bound for South Africa, the official
said.

In Pretoria, South Africa's capital, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz
Pahad said his country did not "in principle, have any opposition" to
taking in Aristide. Pahad said he knew of no formal asylum request.

In his statement on state radio, Aristide thanked Central African
Republic authorities, and saluted Africa and its people ? "because
Africa is the father of us, Haitian men and women."

Although rich in gold, diamond and other resources, the Central
African Republic is habitually unable to pay its civil servants,
helping spark strikes, unrest and coup attempts. The country has
weathered nine coups or coup attempts since independence from France
in 1960.

Pres GW Bush and Colin Powell said this isnt true and in my opinion
thats right. Even if they did it they probalby had to do it for the
Good of the American Nation and the people of Haiti. Aristeide was a
leftist and couldnt control his country so he had to go and what ever
happened its a good thing hes not in charge of Haiti any more.

Its kind of like with Iraq whether or not there were WMDs there doesnt
matter because the most important thing is that Sadam is gone now and
the people of Iraq are free and thats good for them and for the People
of America and the American Nation.

In article k6j740lvedmp0v1ape76dem0jjacq5hd9r@usenet,
leduc wrote:


the papers today are reporting that Bush claims that Aristide was
'forcefully persuaded'

I guess I believe Aristide compared to Bush's flack ---
but Aristide's choice was probably to be dead or forcefully persuaded.


Activist claims Aristide kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) - Former Haitian President
Jean-Bertrand Aristide reportedly telephoned members of Congress and
African-American activist Randall Robinson, Monday and told them he
had been kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops. Top Bush administration
officials denied it.

Aristide said he was being held prisoner at the Renaissance Palace in
Bangui, Central African Republic, said Randall Robinson.

The United States has said that it facilitated Aristide's departure at
his request. White House spokesman Scott McClellan called the claim
"complete nonsense."

"It was Mr. Aristide's decision to resign," he said.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also said the Haitian leader left
the country of his own accord.

"The idea that someone was abducted is just totally inconsistent with
everything I heard or saw," Rumsfeld said.

Robinson spawned the series of denials by saying Aristide was a coup
victim.

"He asked that I tell the world that it is a coup. That he was
abducted by American soldiers and put aboard a plane," said Robinson,
the founder and former president of the TransAfrica lobbying forum in
Washington D.C. Robinson lives on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

Robinson said Aristide claimed he was being held prisoner in the
Central African Republic at a building surrounded by soldiers.

There were indeed soldiers around the palace where Aristide is staying
in Bangui.

But officials here disputed the charge. "Aristide is not a prisoner in
the Central African Republic," Foreign Minister Charles Wenezoui, who
greeted the ousted leader upon his arrival at Bangui's airport this
morning, told The Associated Press.

Aristide, his wife and a few companions landed just after daylight in
the Central African Republic, a nation as impoverished and nearly as
coup-prone as the one he left.

"He is a free man, and the heavy security measures around the
presidential palace are for his own security," Wenezoui said.

Authorities said the United States, France and the West African nation
of Gabon negotiated Aristide's asylum here. State radio said it would
last only a few days, with South Africa possibly a permanent stop.

In his first public remarks since fleeing Haiti on Sunday, Aristide
condemned the armed insurgency that forced him out — yet said nothing
about returning.

"In overthrowing me, they cut down the tree of peace," Aristide
declared on state radio. "But it will grow again, because the roots
are well-planted."

Earlier, government ministers stood by as Aristide descended from a
jet in a rumpled suit and a firmly knotted tie. His wife, looking
worried, was by his side.

AP exclusively viewed a videotape of Aristide's arrival, which lacked
the red carpet and greeting from the host head of state usually
afforded dignitaries. No soldiers were visible as Aristide disembarked
from the plane.

Officials drove the couple to the palace of the Central African
Republic's leader — Gen. Francois Bozize, who came to power in March
2002 by overthrowing this country's elected leader.

Aristide apparently remained in the palace throughout the day.
Soldiers were out in heavier than usual numbers around the
presidential compound, and turned back an AP reporter who tried to
approach.

It was not clear how it was decided that Aristide would come to the
Central African Republic. However, Bozize has been courting
international support and aid as he tries to restore stability to his
country.

"He's here with his wife, and we've granted them asylum for the
beginning, and then we'll see what happens," Communications Minister
Parfait Mbaye told AP, adding Aristide's ultimate fate could be known
"in the days to come."

On the flight from Haiti, Aristide told a Caribbean official on the
island of Antigua that he was bound for South Africa, the official
said.

In Pretoria, South Africa's capital, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz
Pahad said his country did not "in principle, have any opposition" to
taking in Aristide. Pahad said he knew of no formal asylum request.

In his statement on state radio, Aristide thanked Central African
Republic authorities, and saluted Africa and its people — "because
Africa is the father of us, Haitian men and women."

Although rich in gold, diamond and other resources, the Central
African Republic is habitually unable to pay its civil servants,
helping spark strikes, unrest and coup attempts. The country has
weathered nine coups or coup attempts since independence from France
in 1960.

In article ,
OrionCA wrote:

On Tue, 02 Mar 2004 01:01:15 +0100, leduc wrote:

Activist claims Aristide kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops

Then they saved his life. However, I say if he wants to go back, let
him. We can cut the body down and throw it in the truck with the rest
of the trash when we go in to clean up his mess.

nice statement of Bush's commitment to democratic government -- you sum
it up nicely

In article k6j740lvedmp0v1ape76dem0jjacq5hd9r@usenet, leduc
wrote:

Activist claims Aristide kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops

I've got a Bridge In Brooklyn for sale. Interested?

"Riley The Dog©" wrote in message
...
In article k6j740lvedmp0v1ape76dem0jjacq5hd9r@usenet, leduc
wrote:

Activist claims Aristide kidnapped at gunpoint by U.S. troops

I've got a Bridge In Brooklyn for sale. Interested?

You just *think* you bought a bridge in Brooklyn. Hang around outside a GOP
rally if you're looking for an utterly credulous sucker.

LOL!

Rocketman