OAS secretary general visits Haiti to assess situation
Organization of American States (OAS)Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza began Tuesday an official two-day visit to Port-au-Prince, capital of Haiti, to assess the situation in the troubled Caribbean country.

Though Insulza declined to issue a statement to the media upon his arrival, the OAS' media official said the OAS chief will undoubtedly give priority to the assessment of situation in the country, which will have a general election in three months.

During his visit, Insulza is expected to meet with Haitian officials, political leaders and members of the Provisional Electoral Council.

On Tuesday, the OAS delegation will hold a meeting with acting President Boniface Alexandre and Prime Minister Gerard Latortue.

In the past weeks, there has been a string of violence and kidnappings in Port-au-Prince, mainly in those popular neighborhoods still under the control of followers of ex-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Chamber of Commerce Chairman Reginald Boulos on Tuesday accused Aristide, who has been in exile in South Africa since over a year ago, of sponsoring violence and chaos.

Prime Minister Latortue announced Tuesday that his government will take new measures to end violence and insecurity.

As preparations for the election are under way, United Nations representative to Haiti Juan Gabriel Valdes said Monday that the international community would guarantee a peaceful general election.