JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Former Haitian president Jean Bertrand Aristide living in exile in South Africa has ruled out returning to the politics of his country, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on Tuesday.

    In an interview with the public broadcaster, Aristide said a date for his return to his country from South Africa would be announced as soon as the necessary consultations have taken place.

    He said newly elected President Rene Preval would consult with the United Nations, other Caribbean states and South Africa about his return.

    "I do believe I will be back as soon as possible and I will continue to invest in education," he said, according to the SAPA news agency..

    "I don't have a precise date, as President (Thabo) Mbeki said the other day it has to be emerging from dialogue with President Preval, myself, the UN and other countries because all are puttingtheir hands together o keep peace in the country," Aristide said.

    Preval is seen as a close ally of Aristide, who has been in South Africa as a guest of government since he was deposed in 2004.

    Preval's win was widely seen as to open the door for Aristide to return to Haiti, as Aristide may feel safe about returning.

    Preval, 63, was declared winner nine days after the February 7 elections and following five days of protests by his supporters over earlier partial results that showed he failed to win the majority needed to avert a second round.

    Since arriving to a red-carpet welcome in May 2004, Aristide, together with his wife and two daughters has been living in a government-provided home in Pretoria.

    Mbeki said on Sunday that the return of Aristide to Haiti wouldbe "determined largely" by President Rene Preval and Aristide himself. Enditem