Haiti's Security Forces Allow March by Aristide's Backers

For the first time since a September 1991 military coup ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the Haitian military and the police today allowed supporters of the exiled President to march in the capital.

Watched by six observers from the United Nations and Organization of American States, a group of 10 Roman Catholic priests led 300 people in a religious procession with political overtones for some 500 yards. "We believe this is a major victory," said the Rev. Gerard Jean-Juste, a leading supporter of Father Aristide. "For the first time we have been able to walk out freely and express ourselves," said Father Jean-Juste.

The marchers sang hymns and recited prayers most of the way, but at the end of the procession, about a third of the participants broke into chants of "Aristide or death!" while activists scattered leaflets calling for his return. No uniformed soldiers or police were visible at any time.

Father Jean-Juste said plans for a mile-long march across the city center were canceled because of threats and because senior church authorities refused to authorize the procession.

Source: New York Times