The lower house of Haiti's parliament confirmed Jean-Max Bellerive as prime minister on Nov. 7, clearing the way for the economist and veteran politician to form a new government. An overwhelming majority of members in the Chamber of Deputies ratified Bellerive as the new premier of the impoverished Caribbean nation. He was earlier appointed to the position by President Rene Preval. The 52-2 vote came a day after Bellerive won unanimous confirmation in the Senate. He is expected to be sworn into office by Preval sometime this week, after forming a cabinet and submitting his government plan for formal approval by parliament. Bellerive, who is respected by diplomats and international donors, replaces Michele Pierre-Louis, who was fired as prime minister by the Senate on Oct. 30 for allegedly failing to improve the country's economy. (Reuters)
