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[haitiwebs]

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) - Former Senate President Yvon Neptune became Haiti's new prime minister Thursday, pledging to tackle a two-year political stalemate and promising economic growth in the next year.

Both houses of Parliament approved the nomination after Neptune gave an hour-long speech explaining how his plan of action would differ from that of his predecessor, Jean-Marie Cherestal, who resigned amid mounting pressure from critics who said he wasn't doing enough for the poor.

Neptune, 55, said the Haitian people understand that the government is ``confronting a situation that is more than difficult'' but he would try to raise the average income above the poverty line and bring the country's growth rate to 1.5 percent next year. This year it has been zero.

His first priority, however, would be to bridge the gap between the opposition and President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's ruling Lavalas party.

``On the international level this government will continue to play its role in the most efficient manner possible to resolve the crisis that is asphyxiating the Haitian people,'' he said. ``My first concern ... will be to favorize a climate open to dialogue''

Neptune resigned as Senate president last week after Aristide nominated him to succeed Cherestal. He takes office immediately.

For months, Aristide supporters had called for Cherestal's resignation in street demonstrations, complaining the economic situation of Haiti's 8.2 million people had deteriorated since Cherestal became prime minister in March 2001.

Neptune has blamed the opposition along with the international community for the Caribbean country's poverty and social problems, and the opposition refused to participate in Neptune's government.

The international community has withheld millions of dollars in grants and loans until the government and opposition reach agreement on new elections.

Neptune, with Aristide's accord, was expected to reappoint a majority of the 16-member outgoing government.