From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Subject: Haiti: "Situation of state-organized terror"
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: PACH
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1993 22:15:35 GMT

/** reg.carib: 575.0 **/
** Topic: HAITI: CCOH REPORT PUBLISHED **
** Written  8:56 pm  Jan 20, 1993 by worth in cdp:reg.carib **
"Internal Exile in Haiti: A Country Held Hostage By Its Own Army" is the
first quarterly report of the Coalition for Civilian Observers in Haiti.
Six CCOH-affiliated delegations went to Haiti during September, October and
November 1992.  The 85-page report summarizes observations and provides
longer reports from individual delegations.

Based on observations common to all delegations, conclusions are:

	*  A situation of state-organized terrorism prevails in Haiti.  The
	   repression aims to eradicate all popular organizations, with
	   particular targeting of students, democratic teachers, peasant
	   leaders, and progressive church people.

	*  The political will of the people has not been broken, and their
	   resistance against the coup regime will continue.  Delegations met
	   with numerous journalists, students, lay and religious workers in
	   peace and justice groups whose ongoing commitment clearly
	   transcends the military violence.

	*   The embargo should be tightly enforced, particularly with regard
	    to gasoline and weapons.  The embargo has not worked to unseat
	    the coup leaders because it has never been enforced.

	*  The need for hundreds of OAS and other international observers
	   is clear and immediate.  OAS observers presently in Haiti should
	   go immediately into the countryside.

	*  Refugee flight is a result of military violence, not economic
	   factors.

	*  The only solution is restoration of the ENTIRE democratically
	   elected government, the return of President Aristide, and
	   full respect for Haiti's constitution.

The public is urged to contact their U.S. government representatives and the
OAS, calling for:

	1  Restoration of Haiti's democracy, the return of President Aristide
	   and all other elected officials, adherence to constitutional
	   processes, and condemnation of those supporting the coup;

	2  Request that they send a full observer force immediately and
	   enforce a genuine embargo;

	3  Press for the United Nations to support a genuine embargo; and

	4  Report conditions in Haiti to the media, the public, and the
	   international community.

Copies of the report may be obtained for $5 (plus $2 postage/handling) from
Coalition for Civilian Observers in Haiti, c/o Washington Office on Haiti,
110 Maryland Avenue NE, #310, Washington DC 20002.  (202) 543-7095.

NOTE:  Paperback copies of the Washington Office on Haiti "Report on the
Elections of December 16, 1990" are available for $5 including postage from
the same address.

Several other delegations have been to Haiti during December and January; a few
places in existing delegations are still available for February.  For informa-
tion on joining a delegation, or on forming one of your own, contact CCOH at
the address given above.
** End of text from cdp:reg.carib **

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