New Haiti Premier Names Cabinet Members, Outlines Economic Plan

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — New Prime Minister Marc Bazin on Friday named a Cabinet dominated by politicians who supported the military coup that toppled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Bazin, appearing before the Haitian Senate, also outlined an economic program that includes the goal of creating 100,000 jobs in the poverty-stricken Caribbean nation and guaranteeing land rights to peasant farmers.

The former World Bank economist was ratified as prime minister by both houses of Parliament earlier this month over the objections of Aristide supporters and the international diplomatic community, which has imposed a trade embargo on Haiti.

Bazin unsuccessfully opposed Aristide in the nation’s first democratic elections in 1990. Aristide, a populist priest, was toppled in a coup last Sept. 30.

Speaking to the Senate, Bazin stressed his desire to renew negotiations that would get Haiti back on its feet.

“We are ready to talk, as soon as possible, with the Organization of American States and Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide,” Bazin said. “We will present a global plan aimed at solving the crisis.”

The Haitian Senate declined to immediately ratify Bazin’s eight Cabinet selections, saying lawmakers will wait to act until he completes all 12 Cabinet appointments.

Both houses of Parliament must approve his Cabinet and political program for the country.