Aristide calls for 'peaceful' Haitian resistance

Exiled Haitian leader Mr Jean-Bertrand Aristide has appealed to his supporters to peacefully resist an "occupation" of Haiti.

Exiled Haitian leader Mr Jean-Bertrand Aristide has appealed to his supporters to peacefully resist an "occupation" of Haiti.

In the Central African Republic capital, Bangui, Mr Aristide repeated his assertion that US forces abducted him, which the United States denies. "I am the elected president and I remain the elected president," he added.

Appearing for the first time in public since arriving a week ago, he said: "The fact is there was a political abduction. This unfortunately has paved the way for occupation and . . . we launch an appeal for peaceful resistance [in Haiti]," he said. "I'm choosing my words carefully: for a peaceful resistance."

"If Mr Aristide really wants to serve his country, he really has to, we think, let his nation get on with the future and not try to stir up the past again," US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said.

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Mr Aristide's call came a day after gunfire killed at least six people in a demonstration in Port-au-Prince celebrating his departure into exile in Africa.

US Marines, who on Sunday opened fire for the first time since they arrived at the start of an international mission to quell looting and killings, said yesterday they would assist Haitian police in confiscating weapons from fighters.

At the National Palace, President Boniface Alexandre was formally installed as new president behind closed doors under heavy guard by foreign troops.

A council is set to pick a prime minister this week in a further step to piece together an administration after Mr Aristide fled into exile on February 29th.

More than 200 people have been killed in Haiti since an armed revolt against Mr Aristide erupted on February 5th, started by a street gang in the western city of Gonaives and joined by former soldiers and paramilitaries.