Presidential

Martelly Meets with Former President Prosper Avril

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (defend.ht) - Tuesday, October 11, 2011. President of the Republic, His Excellency, Mr. Michel Joseph Martelly, visited the former head of state of Haiti, Prosper Avril.

The meeting with Mr. Avril was at his private residence in Juvénat and reflects the determination of President Martelly to promote dialogue and unity between all the players and former leaders of the country.

The meeting follows the decision announced two weeks ago, to talk with the former heads of state around the development issues and the future of our country.

They discussed topics and President Martelly invited Avril, as well as all other former Presidents to join him in rebuilding the country.

Mr. Avril, while expressing his kindness towards President Martelly, called it fraternal and patriotic that time spent with the Head of State. He sees "the determination of the President to reconcile the nation to successfully complete the development of man and woman in Haiti, our only home."

President Martelly, for this initiative, the first of its kind undertaken by a head of state of Haiti, pursues his dream of uniting the people of Haiti and to ensure a better tomorrow. He plans to visit other former heads of state during the week.

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Hérold Israël is the Director of Communications for the President of the Republic of Haïti

Born December 12, 1937 in Thomazeau, Haiti, Prosper Avril, was a member of the National Government, CNG, The civilian-military junta formed after the fall of Jean Claude Duvalier in 1986.
He spent most of his military career at the National Palace, where he was responsible for the supply of equipment and weapons and advisers of President Jean-Claude Duvalier.
He chaired the country's September 17, 1988 following a coup against General Henry Namphy, until March 10, 1990 where he was forced into exile under pressure from political opponents backed by the French and U.S. governments.
Returned home in 1993, he led a quiet life until his arrest in 2001, shortly after the election of Jean Bertrand Aristide to the presidency, for conspiracy against the state. He remained in prison for three years, despite court rulings in his favor. He was released when President Aristide was forced also to leave the country February 29, 2004.
Prosper Avril is now a writer. Among his works are: Haiti 1995-2000: The Black Book of Insecurity and The Army of Haiti: Killer or Victim?

Related 10.02.2011: The Haitian Army: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Related 09.30.2011: President Martelly Hopes to Meet with All Former Presidents of Haiti
Related 05.08.2011: Martelly Invites 8 Former Heads of State to Attend Inauguration
Related 04.24.2011: The Mutiny of the Haitian Coast Guard