Haiti's current and aspiring leaders will be held to account for any crimes, Annan warns

As Haiti spiraled deeper into violence, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has warned the country's leaders - and those hoping to govern the turbulent nation - that they are not above the law.

“The Secretary-General is increasingly concerned at the alarming deterioration of the security and human rights situation in Haiti,” a spokesman for Mr. Annan said in a statement released late Friday in New York, calling on all Haitians to eschew violence and settle their differences peacefully.

“At this critical time, he reminds leaders, and those who aspire to leadership positions, of their responsibilities towards their fellow countrymen and that they will be held individually accountable for any breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law,” the spokesman said.