WASHINGTON, March 1 (UPI) -- The White House branded as "nonsense" allegations U.S. personnel kidnapped Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and forced him into exile.
"That's nonsense," spokesman Scott McClellan said. "Conspiracy theories do nothing to help the Haitian people move forward to a better, more free and more prosperous future."
McClellan's denial, echoed at the Pentagon and State Department, followed reports Aristide had called a number of people in Washington and claimed he had not resigned but had been abducted by U.S. troops.
A spokeswoman for Congresswoman Maxine Waters, D-Calif., told UPI Waters was the recipient of one of the calls.
The United States says Aristide left Haiti Sunday morning as armed rebels neared the capital. He resigned after the United States promised him and his family protection and transport to a third country for exile.
Aristide was accused of corruption, violence and strong-arm rule. Resentment erupted into widespread violence 25 days ago.
