Forces besiege pro-Aristide groups

[Freddie Stubbs]

Haitian police, aided by U.N. peacekeepers, launched an operation to root out the gangs of Aristide backers that are blamed for weeks of violence.


PORT-AU-PRINCE - (AP) -- Using armored cars and earthmovers, U.N. peacekeepers and Haitian police moved into an area early Sunday controlled by militants loyal to ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, protecting workers removing burned-out cars used as roadblocks.

One police officer was shot and killed, said Brazilian Col. Luiz-Felipe Carbonell, apparently in early resistance that ended when scores of troops moved in.

The sounds of hymns wafted from church services and a U.N. helicopter roared overhead as the operation got under way in Bel Air, an area of concrete homes on a hill overlooking the National Palace.

Dozens of Brazilian troops and police arrived two days after the government said it would root out gangs that have blockaded areas of certain neighborhoods. On Friday, interim President Boniface Alexandre called the gangs ''terrorists'' and urged people in several troubled neighborhoods to cooperate with authorities to ``expel these bandits.''

more: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/world/americas/10007258.htm

[Aidoneus]

1. It all seems a little familiar

Scriptwriters are apparently getting lazy.

[Freddie Stubbs]

2. At least the UN is helping out

[Aidoneus]

3. helping the coup-plotters to hold onto their spoils

Oh yes, how commendable. And again, seems a little familiar.

[Freddie Stubbs]

4. Why would the UN want to do that?

:shrug: