U.S. continues efforts to end government stalemate in Haiti

The Miami Herald January 14, 1999 U.S. continues efforts to end government stalemate in Haiti

             WASHINGTON -- (AP) -- The Clinton administration expressed regret Wednesday
             over a widening breach between the executive and legislative branches in Haiti over
             seating a new government.

             State Department spokesman James Rubin was commenting on Haitian President
             Rene Preval's decision late Monday to create a government by decree after
             Parliament repeatedly rejected his nominees for prime minister.

Preval's move ignited fears in Haiti that the country's fledging democracy has failed
and left the island country on the road to dictatorship once again.

In his statement, Rubin stopped short of criticizing Preval.

Rubin expressed hope that a resolution will be found through continuing good faith
and effort by the involved parties.

He noted that former national security advisor Anthony Lake has been in Haiti in
recent days to try to end the stalemate.

``We hope the consultations will continue toward a constructive outcome,'' Rubin
said. ``We will continue to work with all parties to resolve the impasse.''