Looking On

Former president of Haiti Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was sent into exile after a rebellion involving US intervention which he claims was “a kidnapping”, has offered to return to Haiti. “‘As far as we are concerned, we are ready to leave today, tomorrow, at any time to join the people of Haiti, to share in their suffering, help rebuild the country, moving from misery to poverty with dignity,’ he said, having called reporters to a hotel next to Johannesburg’s international airport – South Africa offered him a haven after he was ousted in 2004. ‘Friends from around the world have confirmed their willingness to organise an airplane carrying medical supplies, emergency needs and ourselves,’ he said, sitting next to his wife Mildred, who wiped tears from her eyes. ‘As we all know, many people remain buried under tonnes of ruble and debris, waiting to be rescued. When we think of the suffering, we feel deeply and profoundly that we should be there, in Haiti, with them, trying our best to prevent death.’