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Statement of the USA's Congressional
Black Caucus on President Aristide's Arrival in South
Africa
May 28, 2004
His Excellency Thabo Mbeki
President of South Africa
Union Building,
West Wing, Second Floor
Government Avenue
PRETORIA, South Africa
Dear President Mbeki:
The Congressional Black Caucus of the United States
of America joins with the Caribbean Community and Common
Market (CARICOM) and the African Union, in welcoming
President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to South Africa.
CARICOM is to be commended for the support it has given
to Jamaica while Jamaica has been providing temporary
refuge to President Aristide for the past ten weeks.
President Aristide is extremely fortunate, and many
major African advocacy organisations around the world
are pleased, that you are now offering him political
asylum on behalf of the generous people of South Africa.
This offer of political asylum is appreciated by the
Congressional Black Caucus and other supporters of Haiti
who will continue to work for the stabilisation of Haiti
and democracy in Haiti. We are extremely concerned about
the eight million citizens of Haiti who immediately
need the world's assistance and we are committed to
uplifting and helping the people of Haiti
It is also very important for African nations to give
support to Haiti during this 200th Bicentennial of the
independence of the Republic of Haiti. It was 200 years
ago that Haiti fought for and won its freedom, sending
a clear message to the world that slavery is inhumane
and not to be tolerated. Likewise, the people of South
Africa displayed great courage and determination in
their tremendous struggle against apartheid and for
freedom in South Africa. This offer of political asylum
for President Aristide is consistent with the spirit
and determination of the people of South Africa.
The Congressional Black Caucus stands in solidarity
with the people of South Africa and commends you and
them for this offer of asylum to President Jean-Bertrand
Aristide.
Signed
ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS
CHAIR
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