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"We write in the hopes that you can assist the Aristides in making their transition as soon as possible. The situation in Haiti remains dire, and the Aristides have expressed their willingness to help Haiti rebuild, through education initiatives and in other desperately-needed areas. Many people in Haiti have been greatly inspired by the news of the issuance of (his) passport..."
Delaying his return would be a major "disappointment to a people that have already experienced a long list of tragedies, disasters, and heartbreak....(We) support the efforts of the South African government to assist President Aristide and his family in quickly returning home. And we hope to see (him) in Haiti very soon."
What Looked Imminent Is Now Delayed
On February 27, New York Times writers Pooja Bhatia and Damien Cave headlined, "Return of Aristide to Haiti Appears to Have Stalled," saying:
Weeks after receiving his diplomatic passport, "unresolved security and logistical concerns" delayed him. Aristide's lawyer, Ira Kurzban, accused Washington and France of obstructing his efforts to return. On February 18, Haiti's Foreign Minister, Marie Michelle Rey, said she had no contact with her South African counterpart.
On February 19, Kurzban wrote her, asking that:
"appropriate dialogue (be initiated) with the government of the Republic of South Africa to insure President Aristide's immediate return to Haiti....I am inquiring as to what steps you have taken....to resolve (his) return to Haiti. As you are well aware, President Aristide is not simply another citizen returning to his country. You are well aware of the circumstances in which he was forced to leave Haiti notwithstanding his position as the democratically elected President at the time. His forced trip to the Central African Republic and his current stay in South Africa are well documented."
"I know that certain countries have voiced concern about (his) immediate return (meaning America). We know, however, those concerns are without foundation and that the President's return would be a joyous occasion for the vast majority of Haitians. Many Haitian citizens have already gone to the airport in anticipation of his return."
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