Prime minister calls for dialogue

Haiti’s prime minister, Jean Henry Ceant, reiterated an appeal for dialogue with the country’s opposition and promised an investigation into the alleged misspending of nearly $2 billion from the Venezuela PetroCaribe discount oil program that was supposed to be invested in programs for the poor.

The alleged corruption surrounding the fund and the government’s mismanagement of the economy have been at the heart of violent demonstrations in Haiti since Feb. 7.

The violence has led many foreign diplomats, visitors and even Haitians with means to flee the country over the past 10 days. The Canadian government and U.S. State Department have raised their travel warnings for Haiti, warning citizens to avoid travel to the country.