PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s newly installed transitional council chose former Sports Minister Fritz Bélizaire as the Caribbean country’s prime minister Tuesday as it presses forward in its monumental task of trying to establish a stable new government amid stifling violence.
Bélizaire replaces Michel Patrick Boisvert, the former minister of economy and finance who was the current interim prime minister. Bélizaire is little known and even some members of the council said they were unfamiliar with him.
The nine-member transitional council, seven of whom have voting rights, was choosing a new prime minister and Cabinet in a bid to help quell gang violence that is choking the capital, Port-au-Prince, and beyond. Bélizaire had the support of four of the council’s voting members.
Heavy gunfire was reported in several neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, including near the National Palace, although it wasn’t immediately clear if it was in response to the unexpected announcement of a new prime minister.
Siblings trying to make US water polo teams for Paris Olympics
Chinese FM again urges U.S. to stop suppressing Chinese students
Hong Kong defends new security law
Israeli killing of aid workers condemned by international community
Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf is spotted on the streets of Gavin and Stacey's hometown Barry
States follow Texas on immigration bill
Xi calls for solid efforts to further energize China's central region
Biden says Brown v. Board of Education ruling was about more than education
Attack on Iranian consulate in Syria condemned
Target to lower prices on basic goods in response to inflation
China to take countermeasures if U.S. imposes visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials: spokesperson