Press Release Prime Minister announces the formation of a commission to investigate the events of December 5th -------------------------------------------------------------------- Port-au-Prince, December 8, 2003-(AHP)- Prime Minister Yvon Neptune announced Monday the formation of a commission of inquiry composed of officials from the National Police and the justice system to clarify what took place during the incidents of December 5th at INAGHEI and at the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Prime Minister condemned in the strongest terms the acts of violence that took place Friday during clashes between students and members of the population. Mr. Neptune said he regrets that these acts could not be prevented despite the efforts of the Haitian National Police (PNH) who were reluctant to enter the grounds of the university. Yvon Neptune asked the directors of the country's schools and its university to be watchful of individuals for whom they are responsible. He called on them to take steps to enable students to flourish as they show respect for the law, the rules, the principles and understandings that govern the functioning of schools and the university. Mr. Neptune reminded the public that only through respect for the laws and conventions can a citizen enjoy his or her rights and freedoms. Secretary of State for Public Security Jean Gérard Dubreuil also spoke out against Friday's violence. Jean Gérard Dubreuil announced that some 20 students and close to 15 members of the public were injured. The police arrested 20 individuals. Three of those arrested, including one police officer, remain in custody. The damage might have been less had the police been able to enter the grounds of the university. Some officers, who had come to investigate reports that some students and members of the opposition who were inside university buildings were carrying firearms and had injured a member of a populist organization were reportedly only able to have access to the grounds of the university once the University Rector, Pierre Marie Paquiot arrived. AHP

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