PORT-AU-PRINCE — The Haitian capital remains largely paralyzed amid continuing protests and rioting over soaring food prices.
President Rene Preval, who so far has been silent on the crises, is reportedly planning a television speech. However, officials of national television which announced the speech have given no details.
Rioters angry over sharply rising food prices in the hemisphere's poorest country have been demanding Mr. Preval's resignation.
There were widespread demonstrations in Port-au-Prince on Monday. Then on Tuesday, protesters tried to break through the gates of the presidential palace before being chased away by United Nations peacekeepers firing tear gas and rubber bullets.
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Police have since cleared away some debris from the rioting. But protesters are continuing to set tires ablaze at intersections in the city.
Gunfire is also reported throughout Petionville, the upscale community in the mountains above the capital where many diplomats and foreigners live.
Several people have been injured by bullets and rocks in the capital, including a Haitian police officer, UN police spokesman Fred Blaise said.
Five people have also been killed in food riots in the southern city of Les Cayes, where protesters tried to burn down the U.N. compound last week.
The U.S. Embassy suspended visa services and routine operations Wednesday because of the violence, and advised Americans in Port-au-Prince and Les Cayes to remain indoors.
Embassy buildings were pelted with rocks Tuesday but there were no reports of injuries to U.S. citizens.
Food prices, which have risen 40 per cent on average globally since mid-2007, are causing unrest around the world. But they pose a particular threat to democracy in Haiti, where most people live on less than $2 a day.
“We hope the president says food prices are going to go down,” said Paul Fleury, a 53-year-old man who has been unemployed for a decade. “I have five kids and I provide food if I can. Some days it's bread and sugar.”
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