March 16 (Bloomberg) -- Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez offered refuge to Haiti's former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, saying his government won't recognize the new, U.S.-backed regime in Haiti.

``The legitimate president of Haiti was kidnapped by U.S. troops,'' Chavez said in a televised speech. ``The doors of Venezuela are always open to President Aristide.''

Aristide stepped down Feb. 29 after rebels took control of the north of the country and threatened to attack the capital, Port-au-Prince. The U.S. has denied Aristide's allegation he was forced to accept exile. Haiti's new Prime Minister Gerard Latortue formed a 13-member government today, Agence France-Presse reported from Port-au-Prince.

The U.S. is leading the military stabilization effort of Haiti, with 1,750 U.S. Marines deployed alongside 800 French soldiers and naval officers, 325 Chilean soldiers and 125 Canadians. The United Nations has approved sending a peacekeeping force to Haiti.

Aristide arrived in Jamaica yesterday to meet family members after initially taking exile in the Central African Republic.

Jamaica won't recognize Haiti's new government before the 15- nation Caribbean Community takes such a step, AFP reported, citing a statement by Jamaica's Foreign Ministry.

To contact the reporter on this story: Alex Kennedy in Caracas akennedy1@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: March 16, 2004 19:43 EST