Caricom wrings concessions from Aristide

Haiti's President Jean Bertrand Aristide, under pressure from Caricom prime ministers of Jamaica, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago, has yielded on a number of points, as the Trinidad Guardian reports. Furthermore, Aristide has promised Trinidad's PM Patrick Manning that he will vacate the presidency and will not seek re-election in 2006.

Aristide has consented to the following:
-- "Compliance with OAS suggestions on mechanisms to return to elections and political stability.
-- "Establishment of rules for proper demonstrations, involving consultations with the Opposition.
-- "Need for a new government.
-- "Disarming of 'strong arm' groups.
-- "Review and release of political prisoners.
-- "Measures to ensure the effectiveness of the police.
-- "Enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms in Haiti.
-- "Election and consultation with the Opposition.
-- "Establishment of electoral commission and arrangements for it.
-- "Establishment of broad-based advisory council to advise Government in circumstances where Parliament does not exist, as at present.
-- "Arrangements for a new government."

It seems that Caricom may help Haiti become a fully functional democratic country. Perhaps the will is finally there after 200 years.