Haiti's council of the "wise men" is to meet Saturday to appoint the new prime minister to replace Yvon Neptune, accused by the opposition of crimes and corruption during the government of President Jean Bertrand Aristide, reportsfrom the capital Port-au-Prince said.

The "wise men" were named Friday in the first step of the international plan to restore peace in the Caribbean nation after Aristide's removal.

Jean-Bertrand Aristide fled Haiti last Feb. 29 amid a serious political and social crisis that claimed tens of lives. He accused the United States of kidnapping him and forcing him into exile.

The first session of the council of "wise men" was held Friday night in the headquarters of the mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) in the Caribbean nation with the assistance of United States, Canadian, French and European Union representatives.

The council is formed by seven personalities of different localsocial sectors and it is due to pick the prime minister among former prime minister and businessman Smark Michel; the former commander in chief of the army disbanded by Aristide, Gen. Herard Abraham; businessman Axan Abellard; and former foreign minister Gerard Latortue.

After choosing the prime minister the council is to collaboratein the formation of a new government.