17299: (Arthur) Group of 184 calls 'general strike' (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Tttnhm@aol.com

HAITI: GROUPS CALL NATIONWIDE STRIKE (The Miami Herald - 15 November 2003)

PORT-AU-PRINCE -- A coalition of civil groups on Saturday called for a
one-day general strike in Haiti to protest the breaking up of a demonstration by
thousands of government supporters.

The 184 civil organizations urged Haitians across the country not to work
Monday. The call came after throngs of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's
supporters overpowered a smaller demonstration by civil groups Friday amid hurled
rocks and tear gas.

The purpose of the nationwide strike is to send a message that those who
disagree with the government should be free to assemble, said Andy Apaid, a
coalition coordinator.

At least two people were injured in Friday's demonstrations, and police
arrested 30.

The civic groups had planned their demonstration to urge social change, but
more than 8,000 Aristide partisans fanned out and corralled them into a tiny
section of Port-au-Prince, the capital.

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