Fugees' Jean urges peace in Haiti

Wyclef Jean left Haiti as a child

Singer Wyclef Jean has travelled to his native Haiti to promote peace talks, following a wave of violence in which at least sixty people have died.

Jean, a member of hip-hop group The Fugees, met local leaders in a slum area loyal to the exiled president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

The singer also met with rebel army commanders who overthrew Mr Aristide.

"Violence is not going to solve the problem, peace is the way," said the rapper, who moved to the US as a child.

Haitians believe Jean is one of the few public figures who could facilitate peace talks on the troubled island.

Haiti's interim government, installed after Mr Aristide was pushed from power by a bloody rebellion and US pressure, has struggled to contain an uprising in recent weeks.

Though preferring to remain non-partisan, Jean said on Monday that he was convinced Haiti's crisis could not be solved without Aristide playing a role.

Violence is not going to solve the problem, peace is the way Wyclef Jean

"Those guys really believe in Jean-Bertrand Aristide. They are not going to stop unless Aristide says the word," said Jean, following his meeting with Mr Aristide's supporters.

The singer said he was eager to meet with the exiled president in South Africa to discuss ways of restoring peace in the troubled Caribbean nation.

Jean also travelled to Gonaives, the city where 2,000 people were killed in a recent storm.

He told reporters he was moved him to tears by the devastation left in the wake of tropical storm Jeanne.

In July, the rapper announced plans to play a concert in Haiti in December, to promote peace.

He hopes the proceeds of the concert will help bring stability to the country.