Haiti Junta Opens Airport, Closes Paper, Jails Mayor

Haiti’s new rulers today reopened the international airport, which had been closed to most flights since deposed President Jean-Claude Duvalier fled to France.

Earlier, the six-man National Government Council shut down the government newspaper, arrested the capital’s mayor and said they may confiscate Duvalier’s property.

The newspaper Le Nouveau Monde was closed “for reorganization.” The government did not say when it might be reopened. Other newspapers, some of which had been pro-Duvalier but privately owned, continue to publish.

Police said they arrested the mayor of Port-au-Prince, former army Col. Frank Romain, and were keeping him in protective custody. Neighbors said a convoy of police vehicles whisked him away as a mob was threatening his home.

Ties to Secret Police

Romain is suspected of having close ties to the Tontons Macoutes, Duvalier’s hated and feared secret police.

The new government has disbanded the Tontons Macoutes. Many of them were killed by vengeful mobs after Duvalier’s departure, and others are in custody, including the woman who headed the organization for more than 15 years, Rosalie (Madame Max) Adolphe.

The new government’s justice minister, Gerard Gourgue, said the new leaders have not decided whether to put her on trial.

They also have yet to decide whether to seize Duvalier’s property in Haiti, he said. “This may be done, but not yet. . . . It may be the subject of an administrative inquiry,” Gourgue said.

The family fortune has been estimated at $400 million, but there is no indication how much of that Duvalier put in foreign bank accounts or took with him to temporary asylum in France.

Can’t Stay in France

As of today, Duvalier apparently had yet to find a permanent refuge. France has said he cannot remain there.

Liberia’s foreign minister was quoted on Tuesday as saying Liberia would have no reservations about granting Duvalier asylum if a request were made.

The Liberian government today issued a statement clarifying that the West African country had not offered Duvalier asylum, but would consider doing so if formally asked.

The ex-president remained cloistered with about 20 relatives and associates in a heavily guarded luxury hotel in the French Alps. Sources close to the family said the Duvaliers are furious that France is pressing ahead with efforts to move them to Liberia despite their strong opposition.