Haitian Opposition Requests 24-Hour Extension

Haitian opposition leaders have requested a 24-hour extension to accept an international peace plan aimed at resolving the country's ongoing political crisis. Reports indicate that the request from the Haitian opposition has been granted. The U.S. government and other allies, who have been working to find a political solution to the crisis in Haiti, have announced their agreement to the 24-hour extension. The Haitian opposition was initially expected to announce their agreement or disagreement by Monday. Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has accepted the international peace plan, but opposition leaders have firmly stated that for a resolution to the crisis, Aristide must resign immediately before the end of his presidential term in 2006. On one hand, 50 U.S. Marines have entered Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, to protect the U.S. embassy from any potential attacks. This preventive action seemed necessary as Haitian rebel forces captured Cap-Haïtien, the country's second-largest city and the last stronghold of Aristide's government in northern Haiti, on Sunday. On the other hand, the International Committee of the Red Cross is increasing its humanitarian assistance to Haiti, which continues to experience political unrest. The Red Cross states that their highest priority is the protection of hospitals. Yves Giovannoni, head of operations for Latin America and the Caribbean, says the Red Cross will increase medical staff, including surgical teams, at their hospital located in Port-au-Prince. Additionally, Mr. Giovannoni states that the Red Cross has sent enough medical supplies to treat 500 injured patients from the civil war and will send more medical equipment to the country in the coming days. Officials say Red Cross representatives will visit approximately three thousand prisoners.