The leader of Haiti’s transitional presidential council claimed Wednesday that one of its communications employees was threatened and forced to publish a press release about a key contract involving the country’s biggest port and two well-known members of its elite.

The incident has deepened infighting within the council and further strained relations between Haiti’s government and its private sector as a wealthy businessman prepares to take over the council’s presidency on Thursday.

Fritz Alphonse Jean, the council’s current president , said in a statement that the Aug. 4 press release was published without his approval and despite his objections.

He also said he was informed about pressure exerted by unidentified council members to dismiss another communications official wh

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