Haitian demonstrators won't drop protest

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, April 9 (UPI) -- Haitian President Rene Preval told angry demonstrators Wednesday to end their violent protests, Haitian radio reported.

However, Preval's efforts to quell the violence that has left at least five people dead appeared to fall on deaf ears, as protesters erected barricades and blocked major roads throughout Port-au-Prince.

The protests over rising foods prices began last week in southern Haiti and spread northward to the capital.