PRETORIA, South Africa — South Africa has agreed to give ousted Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide asylum until the situation in Haiti stabilizes and he can return, the government said Thursday.

Spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe said the Cabinet decided during a day-long meeting Wednesday to grant the asylum. The Foreign Affairs Ministry said it had received an official request for asylum on Monday.

Netshitenzhe said the government had agreed to take financial responsibility for Aristide's stay in South Africa. However, he said it was not yet determined when Aristide would arrive or how many people will be in his entourage.

Aristide was ousted Feb. 29 after a three-week armed revolt. He and his wife, Mildred, arrived in Jamaica on March 15 after a brief stay in Central African Republic, where he accused the United States of forcibly removing him from office — a charge denied by U.S. officials.

"In acceding to this request South Africa seeks to contribute to international efforts to bring stability to Haiti," said Netshitenzhe.

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"South Africa has a responsibility, as an African country and as part of the international community, to ensure that democracy and peace prevail in Haiti and that the people of this country are able democratically to elect their leaders," he said.

Netshitenzhe said government supported the call for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Aristide's removal from office and was committed to building international consensus against unilateral regime changes.

"While he is here he will contribute either directly or indirectly with the United Nations to ensure that peace and stability is returned in Haiti," said Netshitenzhe.

Netshitenzhe said the Aristide, 50, is who is currently in Jamaica, was expected to live in Pretoria under tight security. He said the governments of the United States and France had agreed that Aristide should come to South Africa.

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