JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African President Thabo Mbeki on Saturday hailed Haiti's election outcome, which local officials have said could lead to the return of ousted former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Aristide has been living in exile in South Africa since 2004 after he fled an uprising over charges of despotism and corruption.
South Africa's foreign minister said this month Pretoria would monitor conditions after the February 7 poll -- in which Aristide's long time ally Rene Preval triumphed -- to see whether it would be safe for Aristide to go back.
In a statement on Saturday Mbeki congratulated Preval but did not give any clues about Aristide's future.
"South Africa is of the firm view that the outcome of the elections is indeed an expression of the democratic will of the people of Haiti," Mbeki said.
"We commend efforts made by the United Nations ... in helping to create a climate conducive for the people of Haiti to exercise their democratic rights without fear or favor, despite difficult challenges and obstacles."
South Africa's warm reception of Aristide -- housing him and his family in a luxury guesthouse and flying them here in Mbeki's private jet -- goes against the United States and France, which openly backed the rebellion against him.
Aristide, who remains popular in Haiti's poor slums, has kept a low profile for most of his stay in South Africa and not commented on his possible return after the elections.
South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said last week that Aristide's stay in South Africa was never meant to be permanent.
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02-18-06, 11:09 AM
S.Africa's Mbeki hails Haiti poll, mum on Aristide
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