The situation we face is not only one of a struggle for power, it involves a humanitarian crisis and the potential to permanently change the course of Haitian history. President Aristide is clearly a serious aggravating factor in the current crisis and unless he gives dramatic early signs that he is implementing the CARICOM road map then the OAS, CARICOM and possibly UN will have to consider the options including whether a case can be made for the duty to protect.

— confidential memo from Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, Kenneth Cook, to the Canadian Privy Council, February 11th, 2004.

On February 29th, Aristide was out of power.