Haitian president-elect Rene Preval says Haiti's constitution permits former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide to return from exile in South Africa.
In a news conference Wednesday, Mr. Preval said his position on Mr. Aristide is simple: the constitution says no Haitian citizen needs a visa to enter or leave the country.
Earlier Wednesday, Mr. Aristide told reporters in Pretoria, South Africa, that the date of his return to Haiti depends upon negotiations between Mr. Preval, the United Nations and other interested parties. He said when he returns he will not be involved in politics, but instead would like to teach.
Mr. Aristide has been living in exile since he was forced out of office in February 2004 after an armed uprising.
Mr. Preval was once a close political ally to Mr. Aristide, but has distanced himself in recent years.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.