Haiti rebellion hits another town

District police chief Jonas Maxime was said to be among those killed when opponents of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide raided a police station.

There are unconfirmed reports that the rebels have taken control of the town, north-east of capital Port-au-Prince.

President Aristide faces growing pressure to step down from opposition politicians and armed rebel groups.

But in a news conference on Monday he refused to give any details about plans to deal with the rebellion, except that he intended to use peaceful means.

"A group of terrorists are breaking democratic order," Mr Aristide said.

"We have the responsibility to use the law and dialogue to take a peaceful way."

The international community needed to do more to help Haiti, the president added, saying that the police might not be able to cope with attacks on their own.


Border closed

In a bid to restore calm in Hinche, the chief of police in Port-au-Prince said he was sending reinforcements to the town.


But reports from the town said local police had been forced out and were re-grouping 55km (35 miles) to the south.

The killings on Monday have raised the death toll to more than 50 since the political unrest began at the beginning of February.

The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, announced on Monday it was closing its border following the increase in unrest.

Meanwhile, rebels have escorted a Red Cross aid convoy to Gonaives, where the unrest began and which has been in rebel hands for more than 10 days.

The convoy is carrying much needed supplies, including blood and surgical equipment.

To keep the police and government supporters from retaking Gonaives, the rebels have pushed shipping containers blocking the highway leading to the town thus halting food, fuel and medical supplies to the area.

Although the rebels are thought to control about 11 towns and cities across the country, their number is also thought to be less than that of Haiti's 5,000 police force.

However they have been joined by exiled paramilitary leaders and police who have vowed to oust President Aristide.

"Our fight is for a better country. We are fighting for the presidency, we're fighting for the people, " said Guy Phillipe, a former police chief.

Discontent has grown in Haiti since President Aristide's party won the 2000 elections which the rebels accuse him of rigging.

The opposition refuse to take part in any elections unless the president steps down.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3494447.stm