PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti —  Gerard Latortue (search), the man chosen to lead Haiti out of political and social turmoil, arrived here from Florida Wednesday to begin the arduous task of building a transitional government.

Latortue's plane was greeted by a group of friends, relatives, business leaders, journalists and members of the council who chose him to be the new prime minister.

Once critical of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide (search), he has said his first priority will be to unite a population divided between those who oppose the former leader and supporters who want to see him returned to power.

Aristide fled Feb. 29 amid international pressure to step down and a bloody rebellion that left more than 300 dead. The once popular slum priest, elected on promises to champion the poor, lost support as Haitians accused his government of corruption and attacks against his political opponents.