Powell Conveys Assurances, Caution to Haitian Leader

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell gave assurances Monday of full U.S. support to Haiti’s interim government but said democracy could not flourish until politically motivated private armies laid down their weapons.

“Without disarmament, Haiti’s democracy will be at risk,” Powell said at a news conference with Haiti’s interim prime minister, Gerard Latortue. Latortue told Powell that all of Haiti’s political parties agreed that municipal, legislative and presidential elections should be held in 2005.

Powell said prospects were good for sending a U.N.-sponsored peacekeeping force to replace the U.S.-led multinational force that arrived shortly after the Feb. 29 departure of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

The nearly 2,000 U.S. troops in Haiti are expected to leave in June, along with Canadian and Chilean troops. France also has troops in Haiti.

Most Caribbean leaders have refused to participate in the U.S.-led international force, angry that the United Nations Security Council refused their plea to send troops in time to save Aristide, Haiti’s first democratically elected leader. Trinidad has said it may contribute troops.

Powell rejected proposals by some of Haiti’s neighbors for an inquiry into the circumstances of Aristide’s sudden departure five weeks ago.

“I don’t think any purpose would be served by such an inquiry,” Powell said. “Haiti was on the verge of a total security collapse.

“On the last weekend in February, I think we averted a bloodbath,” he said.

Aristide and many Caribbean leaders allege that the United States coerced Aristide into leaving. The Bush administration says Aristide left voluntarily.

Powell said Latortue assured him that Haitian government posts would not go to criminals or human rights violators.

Latortue announced Monday that he would create a commission modeled after South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission to deal with past crimes and grievances. He did not give details.

Latortue also said he pleaded with Powell for more international aid.