Wyclef Jean named Haitian ambassador

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Haiti has named Haitian hip-hop singer Wyclef Jean a roaming ambassador to the country, the BBC reported Thursday.

Haitian President Rene Preval said Jean is Haiti's "best asset to promote the country's image around the world."

The former Fugees member runs his own foundation on behalf of Haiti and has lobbied lawmakers in Washington for a trade bill that would create textile jobs in Haiti the troubled Caribbean nation.

Haiti was plunged in violence in early 2004 when armed rebels took over the country, trying to force the resignation of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who eventually left the country.