Reply #57: Speaking of big-time meddling ...

[rabs]

By BEN FOX and JONATHAN M. KATZ, Associated Press Ben Fox And Jonathan M. Katz, Associated Press –

Fri Jan 21, 4:52 pm ET
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The U.S. State Department said Friday it revoked the visas of about a dozen Haitian officials, increasing pressure on the government to drop its favored candidate from the presidential runoff in favor of a popular contender who is warning of renewed protests if he is not on the ballot.

Revoking visas that let prominent Haitians enter the United States is the latest step in an escalating effort to persuade Haiti's government to accept international monitors' finding that Michel Martelly rightfully belongs on the second-round ballot

Martelly has adopted a combative stance and urged his supporters to take to the streets peacefully if the electoral council does not allow him to run against top vote-getter Mirlande Manigat in the runoff, in place of Jude Celestin. Demonstrations in December shut down all Haiti's major cities for days, hampering earthquake reconstruction and efforts to halt a cholera outbreak that has killed nearly 4,000 people.

"We are ready to fight for justice for everyone," Martelly said at a news conference while surrounded by bodyguards. "We won't accept an electoral coup."

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But an international team of experts from the Organization of American States found problems with the count. Its calculation indicated Martelly, a singer known as "Sweet Mickey," beat Celestin and should be in the runoff. The U.S. and other foreign forces have been pushing the government to accept that ruling.

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But State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley stressed to reporters that the U.S. wants to see the Haitian government accept the OAS recommendations.

"To the extent that there are individuals who are connected with episodes of violence or corruption, you know, WE WILL NOT HISITATE TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION," he said. (CAPS MINE)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110121/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_haiti_election