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Jan. 2, 2004, 12:33AM

Aristide vows to end Haiti turmoil

Celebrations, protests mark 200 years of independence

Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Bloody clashes between protesters and police marred Haiti's bicentennial celebrations Thursday as embattled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide faced growing unrest in his shattered country.

Underscoring deepening political divisions, more than 15,000 government supporters rallied outside the National Palace in the capital while about 5,000 presidential opponents marched toward downtown, shouting, "Down with Aristide!"

Amid the turmoil, Aristide clasped hands with dignitaries attending the 200th anniversary of Haiti's independence, including South African President Thabo Mbeki and American actor Danny Glover.

Police fired tear gas and warning shots to scatter the crowd, and some protesters lay down in front of them, shouting, "Freedom." At least two demonstrators were wounded by bullets, and six were hit by rocks.

"Today is a day for celebrating freedom," said Rodney William, 33, a business owner. "But for us, that means freedom from slavery and freedom from Aristide."

The thousands of government supporters were equally fervent, some of them knocking down a fence at the palace and scrambling onto its lawn as they crowded toward the podium, chanting: "Aristide is king!"

The bicentennial was bittersweet as some Haitians questioned whether Aristide is fit to guide the country out of its crisis.

But the president appeared confident when he spoke outside the National Palace, saying that "1804 was the stinging bee; 2004 is sure to be the honey."

Aristide listed 21 goals he hopes will be accomplished by 2015, from stabilizing the rate of HIV infection to reducing poverty. Aristide's term expires in 2006, and he didn't say whether he expects to be in office in 2015.

"It is possible to build a new Haiti because of what is on our flag, and that is, `United we are strong,' " Aristide said.

A group of prisoners, meanwhile, broke through a wall at the National Penitentiary and escaped Thursday in Port-au-Prince as riot police tried to push back anti-government protesters. It was unclear how many inmates got away, but three were captured.

The government spent $15 million on the celebrations, including galas, New Year's fireworks and the dedication of a monument to Haiti's forefathers. But many world leaders stayed away.

Those attending festivities at the National Palace included more than a dozen foreign delegations, activists and actors.

Aristide said he is working with the opposition to bring about new legislative elections. But opponents have refused to participate and urged a boycott of Thursday's state-organized events, including another presidential speech in western Gonaives, where Haitians declared their independence from France on Jan. 1, 1804.

Sporadic gunfire erupted after Aristide left, and rocks were thrown at departing cars. No injuries were reported.



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