STUDENT PROTEST CALLS FOR THE DEPARTURE OF MINUSTAH

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL HA
SUBJECT: STUDENT PROTEST CALLS FOR THE DEPARTURE OF MINUSTAH



1. This message is sensitive but unclassified -- protect
accordingly.


2. (U) Approximately 75 students from the State University of
Haiti School of Human Sciences protested the &occupation of
MINUSTAH8 on October 24, the day commemorating the 61st
anniversary of the United Nations. The student group began
their protest at the University and marched to the site of
the United Nations ceremony, the Haitian National Museum
(MUPANAH) just across from the National Palace. (Note:
MUPANAH is considered a symbol of nationalistic pride for
many Haitians. End Note.) On their return to campus,
students clashed with the Haitian National Police
Intervention and Order Maintenance Corps (CIMO),throwing
rocks and setting tires afire, prompting CIMO to fire tear
gas at the demonstrators. Demonstrators pummeled UNPOL
vehicles driving in the area with rocks, resulting in damage
to three vehicles. Radio Kiskeya and Metropole report that
students burned an American flag in the vicinity of MUPANAH
and chanted that United Nations was a "lackey of imperial
nations,8 including the United States, and chanted in
support of Hugo Chavez. The students continued their protest
on October 25 by blocking the entrance to their campus with
burning tires.


3. (U) During the student demonstration on October 24,
Lavalas partisans and former government employees also
protested against the GoH, demanding reinstatement of fired
government workers. Having started what they claim will be a
daily protest on Monday, October 23, 20-30 Aristide
supporters gathered at MUPANAH in the morning. (Note: On
October 23, roughly 100 partisans marched in front of
government institutions including the presidential palace and
parliament, seeking reintegration into public utility
companies.) While their main concern is returning to
government employment, they supported the students, call for
the departure of MINUSTAH.


4. (U) The demonstration did not disturb the UN ceremony,
attended by Prime Minister Jacques Edouard Alexis and the
SRSG Edmond Mulet. Econcouns, who also attended the event,
stated that there were no more than 80 protesters and that
MINUSTAH had created a tight security perimeter around the
ceremony. The group had bullhorns and was audible to the
audience but none of the speakers acknowledged its presence
or addressed its demands. According to Econcouns, they were
an irritant but at no time physically threatening.


5. (SBU) Comment. We see no signs that either the
anti-MINUSTAH or the anti-U.S./pro-Chavez sentiments
expressed by the students are widespread among the populace.
While MINUSTAH has been the target of popular resentment at
various times since its mission began in July, 2004 because
of perceived failures to establish security, no organized
movement opposed to MINUSTAH has ever developed. As is usual
in Haiti, rumors regarding "who is really behind the
students" run rampant, comprising a list ranging from the
Prime Minister, to pro-Aristide chimeres, to former rebel Guy
Phillipe. It simply appears, however, that ever-present
"anti-globalization" student activists have settled on
MINUSTAH as a convenient target of their anger. However
small their numbers, any sign of disorder accompanying public
protest is cause for concern in Haiti and bears close
monitoring. End Comment.
TIGHE