Haiti's Preval Installs New Cabinet

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Haiti's new Cabinet was sworn in Friday, replacing a U.S.-backed interim government that was appointed to lead the impoverished and conflict-torn nation after a 2004 revolt.

President Rene Preval said the 18-member Cabinet of members from six political parties was the result of a new "spirit of dialogue," and urged Haitians to work together to overcome the "mistrust" among Haiti's deeply divided political factions.

The swearing-in was the final step in formally transferring power from a two-year-old interim government installed after former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide left the Caribbean nation for exile in Africa amid a February 2004 revolt.

"We are on the path to recovering our dignity and sovereignty," Preval said in a speech at the National Palace. "The dialogue has begun and the dialogue will continue, but I need everyone's help."

Preval, a 63-year-old champion of the poor who took power last month, has said national unity is vital to restoring security and allowing the withdrawal of a Brazil-led U.N. peacekeeping force sent to quell violence in the aftermath of the uprising.