By Peter Fabricius and Eleanor Momberg
Deposed Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has finally applied for refuge in South Africa - and seems likely to get it.
Foreign minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced on Monday that Aristide had asked to "visit South Africa until his personal situation normalises".
She said she would put the request to the cabinet for a decision at its next meeting on Wednesday.
Deputy foreign minister Aziz Pahad said in Pretoria on Monday that the ministry supported Aristide's request and he believed the cabinet would "respond positively".
He said if the cabinet approved his request Aristide would probably arrive in South Africa "within weeks" and stay here at South Africa's expense.
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Though foreign ministry spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa has explained that Aristide's request is not for asylum itself but to stay while he sorts out his personal circumstances, Pahad made it clear Aristide would be welcome to stay in South Africa "until he wants to leave".
Once cabinet had decided, the South African government would have to consult Aristide "about the size of his entourage and other requirements", Pahad said.
The Democratic Alliance criticised the government for agreeing to consider Aristide's request and added that by saying he merely wanted to "visit" South Africa, the government was playing with words to avoid appearing to grant him asylum.
DA spokesperson Douglas Gibson said the South African Refugee Act would prevent Aristide being granted asylum on grounds of his political actions.
"These included his fraudulent re-election in 2000, his campaign of terror against journalists and human rights workers, and his violent repression of legitimate political opposition."
- This article was originally published on page 1 of Cape Times on May 11, 2004
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