The Associated Press
Wednesday, January 19, 2011; 11:30 AM

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A former lawyer for ex-Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide says the ousted leader has applied for a Haitian passport but has never heard back from his homeland’s government.

The head of the Boston-based Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti says Aristide has repeatedly requested a Haitian passport.

Brian Concannon said Wednesday that President Rene Preval’s government “simply refuses to respond” to Aristide’s requests.

Aristide’s current Miami attorney Ira Kurzban says Aristide wants to come back to Haiti.

Aristide’s office in South Africa has not responded to requests for comment.

After being ousted in 2004, Aristide was flown into African exile aboard a U.S. plane.

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COMMENT: HAITIAN-TRUTH.ORG

All Aristide has to do is apply for a passport and he will receive one.

The problem created by Aristide is his demand for a Diplomatic Passport.

If he really wanted to go back to Haiti he could pay a few hundred dollars, get a Haitian passport and fly back.

Ray Joseph, Haiti’s ambassador to Washington explained the situation, several months ago.

It is up to Aristide.

Fish or cut bait, as they say.