JULY 15 LAVALAS DEMONSTRATION IS PEACEFUL

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 001283

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PGOV KPKO HA
SUBJECT: JULY 15 LAVALAS DEMONSTRATION IS PEACEFUL

REF: A) P-au-P 1278, B) P-au-P 1279, C) P-au-P 1281


1. (SBU) Summary: The widely-publicized July 15 Lavalas
demonstration (reftels) attracted 5,000-6,000 supporters to
a peaceful protest at the National Palace (presidency).
There were no reports of any attempts at violence by the
demonstrators. MINUSTAH and Haitian National Police (HNP)
units provided a show of force in the downtown area,
especially at the Palace. Protesters called for the return
of Aristide and payment/reinstatement of Lavalasiens fired
from government jobs. The Lavalas supporters showed
greater organizational ability than they have in recent
months, but posed no threat either to the Preval government
or to the ability of MINUSTAH and the HNP to maintain
order. End summary.


2. (U) Lavalas supporters began to gather at approximately
1100 at Aristides former residence in the Tabarre
neighborhood. A group estimated at several hundred by
the respected local radio station Radio Metropole held a
voodoo-influenced ceremony at the residence and then
proceeded toward Cite Soleil, according to the Embassy
local staff eye-witnesses. HNP forces did not pursue them
into Cite Soleil, but picked them up again when they
emerged in the early afternoon, now with larger numbers, in
the adjacent Bel Air neighborhood.


3. (U) In preparation for the demonstration, MINUSTAH had
increased its presence in the city. At approximately 0930,
RSO witnessed a MINUSTAH patrol that included UN
peacekeepers as well as a Formed Police Unit (apparently an
African contingent) operating in the downtown area, headed
aded
toward Cite Soleil. MINUSTAH and HNP deployed at the
Palace beginning mid-morning, setting up saw-horse type
barricades and APCs to prevent protesters from gathering
immediately in front of the presidency building. MINUSTAH
helicopters flew above the city center to monitor the
protests during the day.


4. (U) After picking up additional supporters in Cite
Soleil and Bel Air, the protesters numbered 5,000 6,000
(according to independent MINUSTAH and Embassy local-staff
eyewitness estimates) by the time they finally arrived at
the Palace at approximately 1330. MINUSTAH and HNP
barricades two blocks north of the Palace were breached
without violence and demonstrators gathered in front of
the Palace. Brazilian troops took up positions on the
Palace lawn in case of any attempt to breach the perimeter.
The protesters chanted slogans demanding the return of
Aristide and payment/reinstatement of Lavalas members fired
from government jobs. The demonstration broke up without
t
incident around 1430. The entire event was peaceful, with
no reports of any attempts at violence.


5. (SBU) Preval and senior members of his team remained at
the Palace throughout the morning and during the protest.
The Ambassador spoke with Preval confidant Bob Manuel, who
confirmed that he, along with Prime Minister Alexis and
other cabinet members, was with the President. MINUSTAH
SRSG Mulet met with Preval and his team mid-morning. Mulet
found them nervous about the unfolding events but
determined to remain at the Palace and confident of the
ability of MINUSTAH at the HNP to maintain order. Mulet
and Manuel both praised MINUSTAH/HNP coordination.


6. (SBU) Comment: The Lavalas supporters were more
successful this time in organizing this protest than they
have been in their recent similar efforts. Yet, this
peaceful demonstration posed no threat to Prevals
government or to the ability of MINUSTAH and the HNP to
maintain order. We hope Preval will draw the same
conclusion and deal more assertively with the Lavalasiens
in the future. End comment.