Wednesday, March 30, 2011

ARTICLE - CANADA FEARED POPULAR UPRISING

CANADA FEARED POPULAR UPRISING IN HAITI AFTER 2010 EARTHQUAKE
(Toronto Star) - CP

MONTREAL — Federal documents show the Canadian government feared Haiti was at risk of a popular uprising following last year’s devastating earthquake.

Documents marked “secret” and obtained by The Canadian Press say the earthquake in January 2010 created a political vacuum that was likely to be exploited.

They also mention rumours that former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was plotting a return from exile in the immediate aftermath of the tremor.

The documents were prepared by officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs and released through access-to-information legislation.

They detail Ottawa’s extensive concerns about the legitimacy of the Haitian government and the scope of the reconstruction efforts.

Haitians are currently awaiting the preliminary results of a recent presidential election run-off.

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