New PM flies in to praise rebel gang (Haiti)

[Tinoire]

New PM flies in to praise rebel gang
Gonaives
March 22, 2004

Haiti's new Prime Minister yesterday flew into the chaotic city where an armed revolt began six weeks ago, hailing as "freedom fighters" the ragtag gang that helped oust President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

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He said that in the US, it was widely thought that the people in Gonaives were thugs and bandits. "But they are freedom fighters," he said.

The rebels in Gonaives, most of whom belonged to a street gang called "the Cannibal Army" that once supported Mr Aristide, did not lay their arms at Mr Latortue's feet as promised.

But as a gesture, three leaders swapped their uniforms for smart suits and ties and turned in a few old and dilapidated weapons. :eyes:


http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/21/1079823237671.html