President Jean-Bertrand Aristide Statement on Planned Return to Haiti

by: Combined Sources Friday 21 January 2011

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Dr Jean-Bertrand Aristide
Former President of Haiti

19 January 2011

I would like to thank the government and the people of South Africa for the historic hospitality, deeply rooted in Ubuntu, extended to my family and I.

Since my forced arrival in the Mother Continent six and a half years ago, the people of Haiti have never stopped calling for my return to Haiti . Despite the enormous challenges that they face in the aftermath of the deadly January 12, 2010 earthquake, their determination to make the return happen has increased.

As far as I am concerned, I am ready. Once again I express my readiness to leave today, tomorrow, at any time. The purpose is very clear: To contribute to serving my Haitian sisters and brothers as a simple citizen in the field of education.

The return is indispensable, too, for medical reasons: It is strongly recommended that I not spend the coming winter in South Africa ’s because in 6 years I have undergone 6 eye surgeries. The surgeons are excellent and very well skilled, but the unbearable pain experienced in the winter must be avoided in order to reduce any risk of further complications and blindness.

So, to all those asking me to return home, I reiterate my willingness to leave today, tomorrow, at any time. Let us hope that the Haitian and South African governments will enter into communication in order to make that happen in the next coming days.

United to the Haitian people, once again my family and I express our sincere gratitude to the government and the people of South Africa .

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  • If we would recount the complicity of U. S. reaction helping to destroy democracy in Haiti,both in then Secretary of State Bushes Rice and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Bushes Powell,with all their far right connections,and all citizenry's obligation because of this,we would see the need to demand that the U.S. government ensure the safe return of Aristide,and the deliverance of health,financial and humanitarian resources to the people of Haiti,now.
    This.not to mention the economic tyranny of the United States,vistied upon Haiti,for the last 2 centuries.
    This is not an easy struggle,but the world, would support us.
    Along with this,is the modern atrocity of the destruction of the socialist democracy in Cuba,a stalwart friend ot the Haitian people,for the whole world to see.
    God have mercy on us if we do not support democracy in Haiti,for history tells us that there would not be a United States of America without the heroic fight for Haiti independence under the leadership of the great,Toussaint L'ouverture-saviour of Western democracy.
    This democracy would continue today with a free Haiti,with their elected president,Aristide.

    Posted by E.E.W.Clay, 01/24/2011 5:42pm (14 years ago)

  • Aristide should be allowed to return, and Baby Doc should go to jail.

    Posted by Hank, 01/24/2011 8:24am (14 years ago)

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