Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09PORTAUPRINCE996
2009-11-25 20:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Port Au Prince
Cable title:  

Aristide Speaks Out on Fanmi Lavalas' Exclusion from

Tags:  PGOV PREL PINR AID HA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO0472
RR RUEHQU
DE RUEHPU #0996 3292056
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 252055Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY PORT AU PRINCE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0048
INFO HAITI COLLECTIVE
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 0026
RUEHMN/AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO
RUEHMT/AMCONSUL MONTREAL
RUEHQU/AMCONSUL QUEBEC 0023
RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 0024
UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 000996 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR AID HA
SUBJECT: Aristide Speaks Out on Fanmi Lavalas' Exclusion from
Elections

REF: PORT-AU-PRINCE 972; PORT-AU-PRINCE 994

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 000996

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR AID HA
SUBJECT: Aristide Speaks Out on Fanmi Lavalas' Exclusion from
Elections

REF: PORT-AU-PRINCE 972; PORT-AU-PRINCE 994


1. (U) Former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide unexpectedly
intervened on the radio on November 25 in response to the exclusion
of Fanmi Lavalas by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP).




2. (U) Answering questions in Creole from the Solidarite
Radio reporter, Aristide dispelled doubts about the authenticity of
the letter he sent to the CEP designating Maryse Narcisse as his
legal representative in Haiti. "I signed the letter, if that's
what they want to hear." He specifically pointed out that the
CEP's decision was a mistake, and that it should not be tolerated.




3. (U) While Aristide remained calm and composed throughout
the interview, he criticized President Preval and his majority
Lespwa party for not having done anything for Haiti's development:
"Lespwa did nothing, it has not delivered." He described Preval's
new Unite party as a continuation of Lespwa's failed efforts. He
reinforced that Fanmi Lavalas remained independent from Preval.




4. (U) Aristide iterated on several occasions that he and
Fanmi Lavalas could not stand to watch an "electoral coup" happen
again, "as was done in the April 2009 Senatorial elections."
"While there is no question of threatening," he said "it would be
wise for the government to revisit its decision to exclude Fanmi
Lavalas." He did, however, imply that if the problem of exclusion
is not rectified, unrest is likely to occur.




5. (SBU) Comment. Aristide's intervention will not go
unnoticed, for someone who had not addressed the nation since his
departure in 2004, except for annual new year wishes. Embassy
local staff listened to his broadcast attentively and with some
concern. While Aristide's tone remained unaggressive, his public
criticism of Preval should not be taken lightly, as he sent a
strong message not to exclude Fanmi Lavalas. While the party may
have lost popular support, Aristide remains very influential. In
addition, the timing of this statement is unfortunate because it
will appear that the CEP's decision to give FL another chance to
register (reftel B) was in response to Aristide's demand rather
than in response to international donors' request. Post will
report any further developments.
MERTEN