22994: Esser: Fanmi Lavalas statement on Cruising Into History (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: D. Esser <torx@joimail.com

Fanmi Lavalas statement on Cruising Into History

Fanmi Lavalas

Yon sèl randevou: randevou bò tab la
Bwat postal 2472, Potoprens, Ayiti


FANMI LAVALAS - PRESS RELEASE - August 13, 2004

In 1804, the success of the Haitian Slave Revolution has made Haiti
the first black independent country in the world. This Haitian great
victory symbolized not only a victory against colonialism and slavery
but also against racism, injustice and tyranny.

Two hundred years later, while Haiti is celebrating the bicentennial
anniversary of its independence, a small minority helped by the same
colonialist countries that have supported slavery for many years
organized a “coup d’état” against the democratically elected
President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and stopped the Haiti ongoing
democratic process. This recent coup is the 34th bloody coup d’état
that happened during these 200 years following 1804.

Human rights organizations reports and direct talks with Fanmi
Lavalas grassroots have shown that the situation in Haiti is one of
insecurity and generalized violence. Rights of citizen are not
protected; Haitian people can no more speak freely or demonstrate.
Since President Aristide forced departure, Fanmi Lavalas members and
supporters across the country have been killed, illegally arrested,
and many more are in hiding or in exile, properties have been
ransacked or confiscated. The country is being governed without any
constitutional rule. All democratic principles are being violated.

It’s clear that since February 29th, 2004, Haiti is under occupation.
Instead of celebrating their independence, Haitian people are brought
back to the period prior to 1804 where they had to fight for freedom,
justice, respect of people vote and basic human rights. It is ashamed
that in the 21st century, power can be used to overthrow a
democratically elected president.

Fanmi Lavalas welcomes the efforts made by the organizers of Cruising
into History to ensure that the cruise is not used to endorse and
legitimate the actual de facto government and to undermine the
efforts made by the Haitian people in Haiti and abroad, the
international community (the Black Caucus, CARICOM, the African
Union, and generally all freedom loving people) to restore
constitutional rule and democracy in Haiti.

The people of Haiti are not insensitive to this transnational message
of solidarity. It does mean that the organizers of “Cruising Into
History” understand the deep and profound meaning of what happened on
February 29th 2004: It was a “coup d’etat” not only against Haitian
people but against all people and specially black people throughout
the world that are still fighting for justice, freedom and democracy.
It does also mean that they understand the urgent need to restore
democracy in Haiti.

Fanmi Lavalas believes that democracy can not be constructed on human
rights abuses.

Therefore Fanmi Lavalas, standing in solidarity with its members and
supporters and all Haitian people who believe in the principles of
democracy, has decided not to be on the boat in protest against all
human rights violations in Haiti perpetrated by the de facto
government. Accordingly no member of Fanmi Lavalas is authorized to
speak on behalf of Fanmi Lavalas on the cruise.

Fanmi Lavalas takes this opportunity to raise, once again, its voice to
demand:


• The liberation of all members and supporters of Fanmi Lavalas that
are illegally detained;
• The unconditional return in Haiti of all Fanmi Lavalas members and
supporters in exile;
• The protection of every citizen in the exercise of their political
rights;
• The stopping of all killings, intimidations and unlawful arrests in
the country.

Fanmi Lavalas states once again that, the Organization will not send
representatives in any Provisory Electoral Council (CEP) or
participate in any de facto government until the return of the rule
of law and the constitutional order. Fanmi Lavalas encourages all
Haitian people to keep up the peaceful mobilization.

With the people of Haiti, let fill the empty word of democracy used
by colonialist powers with freedom, justice, respect of basic human
rights and give to democracy its deep and real sense. Let turn into
reality the Haitian dream for democracy.

Yon sèl nou fèb, ansanm nou fò, ansanm ansanm nou se LAVALAS

Fanmi Lavalas Commission of Communication


• Mr Mario Dupuy
• Dr Maryse Narcisse
• Maître Angelot Bell Esq
• Mr Jonas Petit

Yon sèl nou fèb, ansanm nou fò, ansanm ansanm nou se LAVALAS
.