As President Jean-Bertrand Aristide of Haiti arrives in Johannesburg today, the IFP expressed the hope, despite the controversy and objections in many quarters, that the welcome and hospitality extended to Mr Aristide would make a lasting and meaningful contribution to finding a peaceful solution to the civil conflict in Haiti.

The Foreign Affairs Spokesperson of the IFP, Mr Len Joubert said:

"Whilst the IFP recognises the controversy and objections in many quarters, we hope Mr Aristide's sojourn in South Africa will make a meaningful contribution to bringing a end to strife and division in Haiti.

"It would also be appropriate and correct for government to disclose the budgetary costs of Mr Aristide's sojourn in the interests of transparency."