US embassy cable - 05PORTAUPRINCE1489

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 001489 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD 
WHA ALSO FOR USOAS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, PREL, HA 
SUBJECT: HAITI: NEPTUNE ANSWERS QUESTIONS BEFORE JUDGE IN 
ST. MARC 
 
REF: PAP 1460 
 
1. Former Haiti Prime Minister Yvon Neptune appeared before 
investigating judge Clunie Jules in St. Marc on May 25, four 
days after Neptune said he would cooperate with the 
investigation during a meeting with Ambassador Andrew Young 
(reftel).  The former PM was escorted to St. Marc by MINUSTAH 
helicopter and accompanied by a heavy security presence.  He 
cooperated with the proceedings and answered Judge Jules' 
questions during a closed door session for four hours and 
returned to the prison annex in Port-au-Prince at 
approximately 2:30 p.m.  Former Interior Minister Joclerme 
Privert and former Lavalas government representative of St. 
Marc Amayus Mayette were questioned by Jules earlier in their 
week for their alleged role in the February 11, 2004 events 
in La Syrie, St. Marc.  The judge's ruling on whether to 
release Neptune or to hold him over for trial is not expected 
until at least the week of May 30. 
 
2. Comment: This is the first positive development in many 
weeks in the Neptune case, but we cannot predict how the 
judge will decide.  Public pressure in St. Marc is still 
heavily against Neptune's release.  End Comment. 
FOLEY