AMERICA/HAITI - “A serious humanitarian disaster threatens. As always the people of Haiti are the loses. Every new crisis leaves them poorer and more vulnerable ”. A report from Haiti

Port-au-Prince (Fides Service)-“How can these men be disarmed ”, is the question on the lips of all Haitians, according to a local Church source contacted by Fides in Haiti where gangs of armed supporters of ousted President Aristide continue to sow terror among the civilian population. “What happened on March 7 when Aristide’s men opened fire on crowds demonstrating their joy for the President’s departure, was a demonstration of the determination of these men” local sources told Fides. “Aristide’s supporters are ready to kill, torch and destroy. So far international peacekeepers have failed to stop these bandits. Everyone is asking “who will disarm these men?’, they are an imminent danger for the nation”.
In this situation the people defend themselves as best they can. “The school finds it difficult to reopen its door, parents keep their children at home for fear of the violence” local sources tell Fides. “The people, as always, are the loses. Every new crisis makes them poorer and more vulnerable. The country is threatened by a humanitarian disaster” our sources say.
The local Church is close the people in difficulty. In a message to the people Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot Coadjutor Port-au-Prince, voiced solidarity with the victims of sacking in the capital and the families of those killed. “Amidst the tragedy, Haitians are still a people of believers who continue to pray and hope for a better future ” Fides sources conclude.
In the meantime an interim government led by Boniface Alexandre has been installed in the Island. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 9/372004, righe 27 parole 322)