A source provided CNN with this translation of former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's letter of resignation:
Letterhead: Jean-Bertrand Aristide
February 7, 2001, I took an oath to respect and have the constitution respected.
This evening, 28 February 2004, I am still determined to respect and have the constitution respected.
The constitution is the guarantee of life and peace. The constitution cannot be drowned in the blood of the Haitian people.
For that reason, tonight I am resigning in order to avoid a bloodbath. I accept to leave, with the hope that there will be life and not death.
