U.S. officials issued a new warning Friday for those traveling to Haiti and ordered some embassy personnel to leave the country amid ongoing violence.
The U.S. State Department cited the dangers of Haiti's armed gangs and a lack of effective police force as the reason for the new warning.
The Caribbean nation was plunged into violence last year when armed rebels began taking over the country demanding President Jean-Bertrand Aristide step down.
Aristide left the country in February 2004 and sought asylum abroad. An interim government was installed, though violent confrontation between Aristide supporters and U.N. peacekeepers continued, leaving hundreds dead.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
