A Chronology of Major Haiti Events in the ‘90s

Significant dates in Haiti’s recent history and current crisis:

1990--Jean-Bertrand Aristide wins landslide presidential vote in December, with army Lt. Gen. Raoul Cedras in charge of election security.

1991--Aristide inaugurated in February. Names Cedras army commander in chief. Cedras leads army ouster of Aristide in September. Organization of American States demands Aristide be reinstated, imposes trade sanctions.

1993--President Clinton decides to continue former President George Bush’s policy of repatriating Haitian boat people.

July, 1993--Aristide and Cedras sign U.N.-brokered Governor’s Island accord providing for Cedras’ resignation, Aristide’s return on Oct. 30 and revamping of Haitian army.

August--Aristide names Robert Malval as interim prime minister, charged with smoothing the way for Aristide’s return.

October--Haitian army-backed toughs prevent Harlan County from docking with 200 American troops on noncombat mission to prepare for Aristide’s return. Cedras reneges on promises. United Nations pulls out civilian mission and extends sanctions to include oil and arms embargo.

December--Malval resigns as prime minister.

February, 1994--Human rights violations increase. U.N. civilian mission returns.

May--U.N. imposes total trade embargo except for food and medicine, reinforced by travel ban and frozen bank accounts.

June--Clinton adjusts refugee policy, allowing processing aboard naval hospital ship anchored in harbor at Kingston, Jamaica, setting off new wave of boat people.

July--Clinton stems tide by changing refugee policy again, offering safe haven in other countries, but not the United States. U.N. Security Council authorizes use of force against Haiti.

September--U.S. officials say they have exhausted all peaceful means of restoring Aristide to power. United States calls up 1,600 reservists to prepare for a possible invasion.

Sept. 15--In address to the nation, Clinton pledges limited invasion to oust coup leaders. Cedras says he is prepared to fight.

Sept. 18--An eleventh-hour accord reached in talks led by former President Jimmy Carter averts U.S. invasion, provides for military leaders to step down, Aristide’s return by Oct. 15. Early on Sept. 19, the first U.S. troops land unopposed in Port-au-Prince.

Oct. 10--Cedras resigns.

Oct. 13--Cedras goes into exile in Panama.

Oct. 15--Aristide makes triumphant return to Haiti. Security Council lifts sanctions.