Haitian Cabinet OKd, Will Be Sworn In Today
Parliament’s lower house overwhelmingly endorsed President Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s new government in a vote of confidence late Monday night.
A swearing-in ceremony for Prime Minister Smarck Michel and his 17-member Cabinet was scheduled for today at the Presidential Palace. The Cabinet’s task will be to restore elected rule after three years of military repression.
“This is so the country can move in a new direction,” Randall Pierre Canal, a pro-Aristide deputy from the Port-au-Prince suburb of Carrefour, said before the vote.
Michel, 57, was ratified over the weekend by both houses. He outlined his policies before the Senate on Sunday. They include an economic recovery program based on reduced tariffs, increased exports and privatization of unprofitable state enterprises.
After Monday’s 54-2 vote, Michel thanked the Chamber of Deputies and said he hoped lawmakers will be able to work well with Aristide. The lower house has 83 seats, but not all members were present.
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