The last thing Haiti needs at this time is another former ruler arriving in the middle of a chaotic situation.
This follows the reappearance in Haiti last month of former dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier.
But there may yet be bureaucratic wrangling about when Aristide can travel. Ira Kurzban, his American lawyer, said he sent a letter to Haitian authorities on Sunday requesting a passport on Aristide's behalf. Officials publicly denied receiving any such request. "If the government of Haiti is serious about it, the steps are very clear," Kurzban said. "This cat and mouse game should stop. I suggested they could give the passport to the government of South Africa."
Haiti should begin talks with South Africa, he added, and ensure that security measures will be in place for Aristide's return, as stipulated by law for ex-presidents. "I'm certain that if all the appropriate steps are taken, the former president will leave immediately. He's ready and anxious."
