Aristide Says He Seeks Unity

In a marked contrast to the intense political strife in his homeland of Haiti, exiled President Jean Bertrand Aristide spoke calmly and quietly in a talk before 70 students and faculty in Lehman Hall yesterday.

Aristide, Haiti's first-ever democratically elected leader, brushed away questions about political solutions to the unrest there.

"I'm not planning to go back and take them and send them to prison," said Aristide of the military government that took power in a coup last September.

Explaining the need for unity, Aristide said that "communion with those around you, from your friends to your country, is absolutely necessary to achieve happiness."

When questioned further about the political situation in Haiti, Aristide remained vague as to how the U.S. should respond to the military government.

Instead, he praised the Haitian peaceful resistance movement, saying they "were doing all they can do to have a solution."

Aristide described those currently in control of Haiti as "a small group not in communion with the idea of unity, who want to take Haiti all for themselves."

The exiled politician received enthusiastic applause from those in attendance. Ahpaly Coradin, a thirdyear student at the Law School, presented his thesis--an analysis of the Haitian constitution--to Aristide.

S. Allen Counter, director of the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, which sponsored the event, presented Aristide with a medal at the end of the discussion.

"I'm presenting this special gift for dedication and contribution to public service, but the real gift are the students who are here today," Counter said.

Aristide, who spoke both in English and in French, asked the students and faculty in the audience to respond to his message.

Tayyab Walker '94 told the president, "I hope everyone takes [unity] to heart, because we need it more than ever."