Aristide of Haiti + Thabo Mbeki of South Africa = the evil coupleWhen two monsters get together to crush Haiti
Mbeki's Haiti trip could cost R10-million. News24-- Pretoria - The South African government is set to spend R10m and send a navy vessel with military support personnel to the Caribbean which is celebrating 200 years without white oppression.
This decision has been described in some quarters as a "totally senseless waste on symbolism without any content". Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma left for Haiti from the Commonwealth summit in Nigeria on Monday to provide support for the festivities there on January 1.
The SAS Drakensberg left Simon's Town for the island on Friday afternoon with about 200 sailors, aircrew and medical staff aboard. The personnel will take care of logistics, security and medical support during the celebrations that have been marred by widespread violence on the island over the past few weeks.
The ship will also serve as a safe overnight facility for President Thabo Mbeki and his entourage if the situation on the island become too unsafe. The ship will return only on January 25. Two police explosives experts will also leave for the island soon to help with security measures.
Only successful slave rebellion in history, The South African delegation will leave for Haiti about a week before the celebrations start.
At least 15 people were killed and hundreds arrested in violent clashes in the past few weeks between the island's police force and pressure groups protesting against the oppression of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
By Erika Gibson posted 17 December 03
