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March 18, 2011

Aristide Set for Haiti Return 
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Former Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide is expected to land in
Haiti today after seven years in exile. On Thursday, Aristide and his
family left South Africa where he has taken refuge since being
overthrown in a U.S.-backed coup in 2004. Shortly before his departure,
Aristide thanked his South African hosts.

Jean Bertrand Aristide: "One part feels very sad to leave our beloved
friends, but on the other hand, our soul is resting because we are going
back at home after a period of seven years. Also, there in Haiti, they
are very happy, and they are waiting for us. They wanted us to return
home much faster, this has been their dream and wish...and this will
soon come true."

Aristide's return comes two days before Haiti is to hold a presidential
run-off vote. He is widely considered to remain Haiti's most popular
politician. A Haitian resident said the country is excited to have
Aristide back.

Resident: "Tomorrow will be the most important day in my entire life.
President Aristide has been in exile for seven years and tomorrow he
will return home. As a journalist, I am sure that you have witnessed
everything. If Aristide had been here, things would have been different.
Today, the people would not be living in these inhuman conditions, in
and under tents for over a year and some months; nothing has ever been
done."



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