18 Mar 2011

Haiti's former president to end exile

4:58 pm on 18 March 2011

The former president of Haiti Jean-Bertrand Aristide will reportedly arrive in Port-au-Prince on Friday, ending seven years of exile in South Africa.

The planned return comes just two days ahead of Haiti's crucial run-off presidential vote.

However, Mr Aristide says he will not be involved in politics.

The move risks re-opening old wounds and reviving deep political grudges related to his being overthrown and forced out of the country.

His spokesperson says he will arrive on a private plane.

Members of his Lavalas party are planning a rally at the international airport in Port-au-Prince to welcome him home.