Ja: Seaga is wrong

Excellent editorial that needs to be read in its entirety.

We have noted the proposal by the Jamaican Opposition leader, Mr Edward Seaga, that President Jean-Bertrand Aristide should step down, to pave the way for UN-organised elections in Haiti and for a peace-keeping force to help restore order in the country.

While we understand the motive behind Mr Seaga's recommendation and agree that his proposal has precedent in domestic and international politics, we are concerned for the signal that it will send in Haiti.

For Mr Aristide's forced resignation, as we have consistently argued in these columns, will suggest that there is reward for violence and will likely do more to undermine democracy in Haiti rather than build it. In the next round of disaffection, Mr Aristide's Lavalas movement will have had the example of this episode.