Haiti shocked by Trump's 'racist' immigration comment

JOHANNESBURG (AP):
Haiti says it is "deeply shocked and outraged" by President Donald Trump's reported vulgar remark on immigration, calling it "racist".

The Haitian government says in a statement that "these insulting and reprehensible statements in no way reflect the virtues of wisdom, restraint and discernment that must be cultivated by any high political authority."

It adds that the comment as reported "reflects a totally erroneous and racist view of the Haitian community and its contribution to the United States".

Trump on Thursday questioned why the US would accept more immigrants from Haiti and "shithole countries" in Africa. He denied Friday that he used the vulgar expression, saying "this was not the language used".

Haiti's ambassador to Washington told local radio that his government has complained to the US Embassy.