Reagan Backs Haiti Leader Namphy in ‘Efforts to Build Democratic Institutions’

President Reagan, meeting Friday with Lt. Gen. Henri Namphy, head of the Haitian revolutionary government which replaced the regime of Jean-Claude (Baby Doc) Duvalier, pledged his support for Namphy’s “efforts to build democratic institutions” in the island republic.

The main topic of the White House meeting was a $100-million U.S. aid package for the current fiscal year, which began Oct. 1. At a news conference later, Namphy said he is pleased with the amount, despite reports that he had hoped for double that figure.

Namphy, the first Haitian leader to visit the United States in more than three decades, said he is particularly satisfied with a $10-million program included in the package that will provide for the education of Haitian administrators, technicians and business managers in the United States over the next five years.

White House spokesman Larry Speakes said in a statement that Reagan “expressed his firm support for Gen. Namphy’s efforts to build democratic institutions and achieve the goal of a working democracy over the next 15 months.”

Will Seek Others’ Help

Toward this goal, Reagan said the United States will seek to enlist the aid of other governments and the private sector to “assure adequate, overall external support” for the Haiti government.

A senior Administration official who spoke on the condition that he not be identified said the current aid figure represents more than double the $40 million Haiti received in fiscal 1985 and a 20% increase from the fiscal 1986 figure.

“So far, there has not been a . . . lot of help from countries other than the United States,” the official said. “But I think Haiti has a good chance of success.”

In addition to his White House talk, Namphy met with Vice President George Bush and Secretary of State George P. Shultz, then later with Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger and aides. The visitor declined to say whether he asked for additional military aid at the Pentagon meeting, saying only that he discussed “serious matters.”

Won’t Seek Election

Namphy repeated previous declarations that he will not seek office in presidential elections scheduled for February, 1988. He and the army, he said, are dedicated to ensuring that a constitution is drafted and ratified before then, followed by the election of a national assembly.

The general rejected suggestions that the army has employed oppressive methods similar to that of the Duvalier regime and has caused opponents of the interim government to “disappear.”

“The army is an institution at the service of the state,” Namphy, wearing a khaki uniform and a collection of medals, angrily declared. “The army supports justice for all. Whoever has complaints should file their complaints.”

The Haitian leader’s trip to Washington came as his country has been rocked by anti-government protests and a general strike. At least two protesters were reported killed by government forces earlier this week.