Former Sports Minister Fritz Belizaire appointed as Haiti's PM

The transitional council in Haiti has elected former Sports Minister Fritz Belizaire as the country's new prime minister.

 The council, which took office last week, made the decision at a ceremony in Port-au-Prince amid a humanitarian crisis and escalating violence in the impoverished Caribbean country.

Belizaire's appointment follows the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry on April 25.

In his letter of resignation, signed in Los Angeles, Henry expressed his gratitude to those who stood by him during difficult times.

The council held a meeting with the Haitian Police and Armed Forces on Monday to step up security measures in response to the recent spike in violence.

Since late February, armed gang members have attacked police stations, government offices, airports and prisons, leading to the release of more than 4,000 prisoners.

More than 2,500 people have been killed and scores injured in the violence, and more than 95,000 people have been forced to flee the capital since early March.

Haiti's Presidential Council faces the difficult task of restoring security, implementing constitutional reforms, holding credible and inclusive elections, ensuring justice and revitalizing the economy.

Source: AA