US soldiers in Haiti face anger and resentment

[dArKeR]

AP , PORT-AU-PRINCE
Monday, Apr 12, 2004,Page 7

Six weeks into a mission to stabilize Haiti, American troops have confiscated fewer than 150 weapons among the thousands held by rival factions. In not much more than six weeks, the US soldiers will give way to a UN force -- and the Americans are counting the days.

US troops are picking up trash, patrolling streets and continuing searches for weapons. It's the second such peacekeeping mission for the Americans in a decade, and many feel they are hampered by their 90-day mandate and hostility that contrasts sharply with the joyous welcome they got in 1994.

"I don't think three months is going to change much," said US Marine Staff Sergeant John Schultz, 34, of Hammond, Indiana.

Still, he finds Haiti a respite from Iraq: "I've been there twice, and each time I hope will be the last."

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/04/12/2003136379

[Tinoire]

1. Guess they were expecting bouquets of roses there too. n/t

[seemslikeadream]

2. These are the guys throwing roses

Rebel commander Wilfort Ferdinand, also known by the nickname Ti-Wil, greets leader Guy Philippe, right, with an affectionate pat as he arrives with a group of rebel troops in Cap Haitien, Haiti, Saturday. (AP /Pablo Aneli).