WORLD IN BRIEF : HAITI : France Stops Aid During Crackdown

The French government condemned the state of siege and media censorship imposed by military ruler Prosper Avril and suspended economic aid to Haiti until the crackdown is lifted. Lt. Gen. Avril had been expected to lift the state of siege Friday but did not appear on national television for a scheduled 10 a.m. speech. There was no explanation for the delay. The French Embassy in the capital announced the decision on aid, which was made in Paris by the Foreign Ministry. Last year, France provided about $23 million in assistance to Haiti, and this year’s allotment had been expected to be about $35 million.