Haiti inaugurates new president

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, May 14 (UPI) -- Haiti Sunday inaugurated President René Préval, who assumed office after two violence-wracked years under an interim non-elected government.

The 63-year-old Préval assumed office for the second time in a decade. He previously led Haiti from 1996-2001.

Though the agronomist turned politician made no campaign promises, many of his supporters are hopeful that Préval will work to end the hostilities that have gripped the poor Caribbean nation since the departure of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in February 2004, Haitian radio reported.

Aristide -- who left Haiti amid an armed rebellion bent on removing him from office -- is in exile in South Africa.