U.S. wants to arm Haitian police

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, June 8 (UPI) -- The United States wants to sell weapons to the Haitian government, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti James Foley said Wednesday.

Haitian radio reported that the arms provide by the United States would go to Haiti's police force.

The idea of the United States arming the Haitian police is not a new one and has drawn the ire of human rights groups that say the guns could wind up in the hands of gangs and those loyal to ex-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Haiti was plunged into violence last year when armed rebels began taking over the country in an effort to force Aristide to resign.

The former leader left in February 2004 and is currently residing in South Africa.