VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHPU #1283 1981148
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 171148Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY PORT AU PRINCE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3522
INFO RUEHZH/HAITI COLLECTIVE
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 1123
RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 0968
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0936
RUMIAAA/HQ USSOUTHCOM J2 MIAMI FL

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 001283 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: ASEC PGOV KPKO HA
SUBJECT:  JULY 15 LAVALAS DEMONSTRATION IS PEACEFUL 
 
REF:  A) P-au-P 1278,  B) P-au-P 1279, C) P-au-P 1281 
 
¶1. (SBU)  Summary:  The widely-publicized July 15 Lavalas 
demonstration (reftels) attracted 5,000-6,000 supporters to 
a peaceful protest at the National Palace (presidency). 
There were no reports of any attempts at violence by the 
demonstrators.  MINUSTAH and Haitian National Police (HNP) 
units provided a show of force in the downtown area, 
especially at the Palace.  Protesters called for the return 
of Aristide and payment/reinstatement of Lavalasiens fired 
from government jobs.  The Lavalas supporters showed 
greater organizational ability than they have in recent 
months, but posed no threat either to the Preval government 
or to the ability of MINUSTAH and the HNP to maintain 
order.  End summary. 
 
¶2. (U) Lavalas supporters began to gather at approximately 
1100 at Aristides former residence in the Tabarre 
neighborhood.  A group estimated at several hundred by 
the respected local radio station Radio Metropole held a 
voodoo-influenced ceremony at the residence and then 
proceeded toward Cite Soleil, according to the Embassy 
local staff eye-witnesses.   HNP forces did not pursue them 
into Cite Soleil, but picked them up again when they 
emerged in the early afternoon, now with larger numbers, in 
the adjacent Bel Air neighborhood. 
 
¶3. (U)  In preparation for the demonstration, MINUSTAH had 
increased its presence in the city.  At approximately 0930, 
RSO witnessed a MINUSTAH patrol that included UN 
peacekeepers as well as a Formed Police Unit (apparently an 
African contingent) operating in the downtown area, headed 
aded 
toward Cite Soleil.  MINUSTAH and HNP deployed at the 
Palace beginning mid-morning, setting up saw-horse type 
barricades and APCs to prevent protesters from gathering 
immediately in front of the presidency building.   MINUSTAH 
helicopters flew above the city center to monitor the 
protests during the day. 
 
¶4. (U)  After picking up additional supporters in Cite 
Soleil and Bel Air, the protesters numbered 5,000  6,000 
(according to independent MINUSTAH and Embassy local-staff 
eyewitness estimates) by the time they finally arrived at 
the Palace at approximately 1330.  MINUSTAH and HNP 
barricades two blocks north of the Palace were breached 
without violence  and demonstrators gathered in front of 
the Palace.  Brazilian troops took up positions on the 
Palace lawn in case of any attempt to breach the perimeter. 
The protesters chanted slogans demanding the return of 
Aristide and payment/reinstatement of Lavalas members fired 
from government jobs.   The demonstration broke up without 
t 
incident around 1430.  The entire event was peaceful, with 
no reports of any attempts at violence. 
 
¶5. (SBU)  Preval and senior members of his team remained at 
the Palace throughout the morning and during the protest. 
The Ambassador spoke with Preval confidant Bob Manuel, who 
confirmed that he, along with Prime Minister Alexis and 
other cabinet members, was with the President.  MINUSTAH 
SRSG Mulet met with Preval and his team mid-morning.  Mulet 
found them nervous about the unfolding events but 
determined to remain at the Palace and confident of the 
ability of MINUSTAH at the HNP to maintain order.  Mulet 
and Manuel both praised MINUSTAH/HNP coordination. 
 
¶6. (SBU)  Comment:  The Lavalas supporters were more 
successful this time in organizing this protest than they 
have been in their recent similar efforts.  Yet, this 
peaceful demonstration posed no threat to Prevals 
government or to the ability of MINUSTAH and the HNP to 
maintain order.   We hope Preval will draw the same 
conclusion and deal more assertively with the Lavalasiens 
in the future.  End comment.