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.
Amir Khan's £11.5m luxury wedding venue finally hosts its first marriage: Bride arrives on horse
China expenses concerns over EU commission probes
China State Shipbuilding Corp wins world's first ammonia
China launches new satellite group
Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
China launches new meteorological satellite
Innovative former livestreamer assembles striking pieces of electronics art
'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
China’s rover makes first step on Mars
Uber and Lyft say they'll stay in Minnesota after Legislature passes driver pay compromise
Mainland a hot holiday attraction for HK tourists