The Obama administration has publicly confirmed it is continuing the Bush-era policy of opposing the return of Haiti’s ousted former president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Overthrown in a 2004 U.S.-backed coup, Aristide has renewed his pleas to return to Haiti following the recent re-emergence of exiled dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier. In a statement issued through Twitter, U.S. Department of State spokesperson P.J. Crowley said, “We do not doubt President Aristide’s desire to help the people of Haiti. But today, Haiti needs to focus on its future, not its past.” The Haitian government has refused to issue Aristide a new passport, reportedly under U.S.-led pressure.