Aristide returns home to Haiti to serve "in love"

Deposed former Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide returned home Friday from seven years in exile in South Africa, prompting a celebration by supporters whom Artistide greeted with a promise that he has returned to serve “in love”.

Aristide was accompanied by his wife Mildred, two daughters, American actor Danny Glover and his American lawyer Ira Kurzban. He blew a kiss to the crowd as he walked off the small private jet that took him home.

"If you could lean against my heart you could hear how fast it is beating, how it is singing a melody to Haiti," Aristide said. “Your role is to live so Haiti doesn’t die,” Aristide said, adding: “May the Haitian people mark the end of exile and coup d’état, from social exclusion to social inclusion.”

Supporters in several parts of the country sang and waved banners with messages welcoming Aristide back home.

The International community had expressed concern about the timing of Aristide's return ahead of this weekend's runoff presidential election, fearing his presence would cause instability. But there was no evidence of that on Friday.

Aristide's lawyer said the former leader had no intention of causing any problems. The two presidential candidates, popular singer Michel Martelly and former first lady Mirlande Manigat have said they support Aristide’s right to return home.