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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Haitians Protest as Food Prices Soar

Capital shuts down as mob tries to storm presidential palace

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(Newser) – Hungry Haitians attacked the presidential palace yesterday, demanding the resignation of President Rene Preval over soaring food prices, Reuters reports. UN peacekeepers fired rubber bullets and tear gas to control the angry mob; a week of protests has killed five people and paralyzed the impoverished capital. “If we are not killed by bullets we'll die of hunger," said one protester.

In response to the unrest, Preval’s government—whose 2006 election brought a measure of calm after decades of political upheaval—announced a multi-million dollar package of economic investments aimed at lowering the cost of living. The UN Security Council called for emergency aid for the Americas' poorest country, where 80% of citizens live on less than $2 a day.

A demonstrator smashes the windows of an airline office in Port-au-Prince, Tuesday, April, 8, 2008.
A demonstrator smashes the windows of an airline office in Port-au-Prince, Tuesday, April, 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jack Tierney)
International Troops try to Restore Calm in Haiti.
International Troops try to Restore Calm in Haiti.   (Getty Images)
The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has nearly 9,000 Brazilian-led soldiers and civilian police providing security.
The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has nearly 9,000 Brazilian-led soldiers and civilian police providing security.   (Getty Images)
People demonstrate against the cost of living on February 28 in Port-au-Prince. Residents say the cost of rice and some other commodities has virtually doubled in six months.
People demonstrate against the cost of living on February 28 in Port-au-Prince. Residents say the cost of rice and some other commodities has virtually doubled in six months.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
Demonstrators flee as U.N. Brazilian peacekeepers arrive to break down the protest in front of Haiti's National Palace in Port-au-Prince, Tuesday, April, 8, 2008.
Demonstrators flee as U.N. Brazilian peacekeepers arrive to break down the protest in front of Haiti's National Palace in Port-au-Prince, Tuesday, April, 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
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