41.   U.S. officials declined to comment, but a Haitian politician expressed vehement opposition.

42.   Visiting western European politicians have expressed concern about such exclusion of opposition candidates from the vote.

43.   Despite the doubts expressed by politicians, some of the few remaining independent newspapers gave a welcome to the lifting of the ban on political activity.

44.   Socialist politicians have expressed reserve over actively disobeying laws, but several leftist mayors say they will not apply the bill if it is made into law.

45.   Some foreign politicians have expressed concern at the lack of access allowed to the boy.