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Saturday, 11 December 2010

Haiti braces for more violence

12-11-2010 08:18 BJT

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Haitians prepared for more violence Friday as rival candidates told supporters to take to the streets to protest against last month's disputed presidential election.

Barricades were cleared overnight, but tires were still burning in parts of the city to block off traffic. People rushed to stores opening for the first time in three days to get food, water and other supplies, due to fears further violence will erupt.

Witnesses say a gunman surrounded by men wearing the shirts of candidate Jude Celestin roamed through a post-earthquake shantytown near the ruins of the national palace on Thursday, shooting at least one person.

Local news media reported at least one death. Third-place candidate Michel Martelly blamed the attack on Celestin, who is edging him out by less than 1 percent for a spot in a January run-off.

A taped message by Celestin was aired on television in the evening, calling for an end to violence but encouraging his supporters to mobilize on the streets.

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