The United States has been assured that Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the ousted president of Haiti,went to Jamaica "for family reasons," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said at a news briefing on Friday.

"We have been informed by the government of Jamaica that the invitation to the former president Aristide is for a temporary visit, for family reasons," Boucher said.

Boucher said Jamaica should not allow Aristide to engage in politics.

"We hope the visit will be consistent with that goal and with the goal of all us of strengthening democracy in Haiti," Boucher said.

Secretary of State Colin Powell discussed Aristide's trip Friday by telephone with Jamaican Prime Minister Percival Patterson and Foreign Minister Kenneth Desmond Knight, Boucher said.

"We welcome the support of the region for building democracy inHaiti. This process is well under way. We do think it is importantfor everyone to look forward and support this process," Boucher said.

Aristide was forced to resign on Feb.29 and went into exile into the Central African Republic. Aristide has accused the UnitedStates of abducting him and forcing him to step down, but Washington has dismissed the claim as "sheer nonsense."