bonnie Posted January 19, 2010 Share Posted January 19, 2010 Wouldn't you think the US could get it right just once. Maybe France should take over and we should bring our money and troops home US accused of 'occupying' Haiti as troops flood in France accused the US of "occupying" Haiti on Monday as thousands of American troops flooded into the country to take charge of aid efforts and security. By Aislinn Laing, and Tom Leonard in Port-au-Prince. Published: 8:15PM GMT 18 Jan 2010 US accused of 'occupying' Haiti as troops flood in Bill Clinton helps to unload a delivery of medical supplies in Port-au-Prince Haiti earthquake: France criticises US 'occupation' Members from the 84th US Air Force Division stand guard in the streets of Port-au-Prince People line up for food organized by the UN's World Food Earthquake victims rush to the back of a World Food Program truck as workers distribute food: Haiti earthquake: confusion at airport hampers aid effort The French minister in charge of humanitarian relief called on the UN to "clarify" the American role amid claims the military build up was hampering aid efforts. Alain Joyandet admitted he had been involved in a scuffle with a US commander in the airport's control tower over the flight plan for a French evacuation flight. "This is about helping Haiti, not about occupying Haiti," Mr Joyandet said. Geneva-based charity Medecins Sans Frontieres backed his calls saying hundreds of lives were being put at risk as planes carrying vital medical supplies were being turned away by American air traffic controllers. But US commanders insisted their forces' focus was on humanitarian work and last night agreed to prioritise aid arrivals to the airport over military flights, after the intervention of the UN. The diplomatic row came amid heightened frustrations that hundreds of tons of aid was still not getting through. Charities reported violence was also worsening as desperate Haitians took matters into their own hands. The death toll is now estimated at up to 200,000 lives. Around three million Haitians – a third of the country's population – have been affected by Tuesday's earthquake and two million require food assistance. While food and water was gradually arriving at the makeshift camps which have sprung up around the city, riots have broken out in other areas where supplies have still not materialised. Haiti was occupied by the US between 1915 and 1935, and historical sensitivities together with friction with other countries over the relief effort has made the Americans cautious about their role in the operation. American military commanders have repeatedly stressed that they are not entering the country as an occupying force. US soldiers in Port-au-Prince said they had been told to be discreet about how they carry their M4 assault rifles. A paratrooper sergeant said they were authorised to use "deadly force" if they see anyone's life in danger but only as a "last resort". Capt John Kirby, a spokesman for the joint task force at the airport, said the US recognised it was only one of a number of countries contributing to a UN-led mission. He also emphasised the US troops, which he said would rise to 10,000 by Wednesday would principally be assisting in humanitarian relief and the evacuation of people needing medical attention. The main responsibility for security rests with the UN, which is to add a further 3,000 troops to its force of 9,000. However, it was agreed on Sunday night that the Americans would take over security at the four main food and water distribution points being set up in the city, Capt Kirby said. "Security here is in a fluid situation," he said. "If the Haitian government asked us to provide security downtown, we would do that." He played down the threat of violence, saying: "What we're seeing is that there are isolated incidents of violence and some pockets where it's been more restive, but overall it's calm." Quote Everything you do is based on the choices you make. It's not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument, or your age that is to blame. You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make, period ... ... Wish more people would realize this. Quotes by Susan Gottesman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonnie Posted January 19, 2010 Author Share Posted January 19, 2010 BONNIE OF all countries to say this what about when the AMERCIANS were in France in 1944 ????? dgrimm60 I think it would be a great idea if we let France lead. Lead the way in money,troops,Dr's,medicines and homes for the Haitian orphans. If the US can't get it right get out of the way for all the countries that certainly can. Quote Everything you do is based on the choices you make. It's not your parents, your past relationships, your job, the economy, the weather, an argument, or your age that is to blame. You and only you are responsible for every decision and choice you make, period ... ... Wish more people would realize this. Quotes by Susan Gottesman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted January 19, 2010 Members Share Posted January 19, 2010 BONNIE IT seems that ISRAEL is doing a good job of helping dgrimm60 Israel was the first country there. And as far as letting france take over. What a mess that would be. The American troops have been there and have been doing a great job. The 82 airbourne have been directing what comes in and what goes out. France is just feeling sorry for themselves because Haiti kick them out. pk Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl Posted January 19, 2010 Share Posted January 19, 2010 Wouldn't you think the US could get it right just once. Maybe France should take over and we should bring our money and troops home US accused of 'occupying' Haiti as troops flood in France accused the US of "occupying" Haiti on Monday as thousands of American troops flooded into the country to take charge of aid efforts and security. Has Haiti surrendered to our occupation forces yet? Unbelievable that they are still holding out, isn't it? Maybe it's because they have such a formidable Navy and Air Force. If it had been the French they probably would have been waving white flags when the first cruise ship docked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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