Statement of Aristide

– Translated by Smith Georges

“*So, to all those asking me to return home, I reiterate my
willingness to leave today, tomorrow, at any time. Let us hope that the
Haitian and South African governments will enter into communication in order
to make that happen in the next coming days,” reads a statement released
today by Dr. Jean Bertrand Aristide (aka Titid), former Haitian president in
exile in South Africa.*

*The statement also reads “I would like to thank the government and the
people of South Africa for the historic hospitality, deeply rooted in
Ubuntu, extended to my family and I.

Since my forced arrival in the Mother Continent six and a half years ago,
the people of Haiti have never stopped calling for my return to Haiti .
Despite the enormous challenges that they face in the aftermath of the
deadly January 12, 2010 earthquake, their determination to make the return
happen has increased.

As far as I am concerned, I am ready. Once again I express my readiness to
leave today, tomorrow, at any time. The purpose is very clear: To contribute
to serving my Haitian sisters and brothers as a simple citizen in the field
of education.

The return is indispensable, too, for medical reasons: It is strongly
recommended that I not spend the coming winter in South Africa ’s because in
6 years I have undergone 6 eye surgeries. The surgeons are excellent and
very well skilled, but the unbearable pain experienced in the winter must be
avoided in order to reduce any risk of further complications and blindness.

So, to all those asking me to return home, I reiterate my willingness to
leave today, tomorrow, at any time. Let us hope that the Haitian and South
African governments will enter into communication in order to make that
happen in the next coming days.

United to the Haitian people, once again my family and I express our sincere
gratitude to the government and the people of South Africa.”*

*Click on the link below to watch a video related to this article:*

*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITNYCXqKfZU*