Clinton, Aristide Meet; U.S. to Send Military Trainers
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WASHINGTON — President Clinton met with deposed Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide on Thursday as U.S. officials disclosed plans to send about 50 military trainers to help restore democracy in Haiti.
An undetermined number of military construction personnel also will be sent, officials said, to help Haitians initiate civic action projects, such as digging wells.
White House spokeswoman Dee Dee Myers said Clinton and Aristide discussed steps toward fulfilling the terms of a July 3 New York agreement that cleared the way for Aristide’s return to power Oct. 30. The agreement calls for Aristide to appoint a new prime minister, who would be subject to ratification by Parliament. Once that step is taken, a U.N. oil embargo against Haiti would be lifted.
The United States is also taking steps to restore Haiti’s credit in international lending institutions.
In addition, Clinton has proposed a five-year, $1-billion international development program for Haiti.
In the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, legislators met Thursday to debate the selection of new leaders for the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, a key process before Aristide can present his nomination for prime minister.
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