Port-au-Prince quieter but guns still heard

Press, 4 February 1986, Page 10

Port-au-Prince quieter but guns still heard

NZPA-Reuter Port-au-Prince Gunfire echoed through the deserted streets of the Haitian capital, every few minutes yesterday. Doctors and opposition sources reported that at least 70 people have died in a week of anti-Govern-ment violence.'

The beleaguered President, Jean-Claude Duvalier, who has not been seen in public for nearly a week, said in a television message that he would soon present a new plan to improve living conditions.

The trouble in Port-au-Prince began after Mr Duvalier imposed a state of seige. It was the first time any anti-Govemment protest or violence had occurred .in the capital. Doctors at the State University Hospital said at least 50 people had been killed and more than 100 injured. Residents said the

normally bustling capital was quieter than usual yesterday, but pre-carril-val celebrations, with youths chanting and dancing in the muddy streets of La Saline slum, brought an unexpected air of festivity. About 20 deaths in the last week, and scattered demonstrations and violence yesterday were reported in several provincial towns by opposition sources.

In Port-au-Prince, where the 30-day state of siege was in force, single rounds or sub-machine gun bursts rang out every five or 10 minutes for the third consecutive night in the slum area of the capital.

In the small town of St Marc, at least 200 people ran through the streets carrying a coffin with the inscription “Jean-Claude, this is for you,” said an American news photographer, Paul Gero.