from the new york times:
on haiti:
mr. powell told cnn: “”we have ways of talking to the various rebel leaders. and i am pleased that at least so far they said they are not interested in violence any more, and they want to put down their arms.””
they did not put down their guns.
two rebel leaders, louis-jodel chamblain, a former death-squad member and convicted assassin, and guy philippe, a former indicted police chief, did thank the united states for moving to secure haiti after the fall of mr. aristide.
“”we’re grateful to the united states!”” mr. chamblain shouted through the window of his truck en route to the presidential palace.
mr. philippe said: “”the united states soldiers are like us. we’re brothers. we’re grateful for their service to our nation and against aristide.””
these men, whom mr. powell characterized last week as “”thugs,”” and a few hundred of their followers are for now the domestic face of national security in haiti.
mr. philippe vowed that the haitian army would rise again. “”we are going to remobilize the army”” he said. “”we are going to make a new haiti.””