South Africa has still not been asked to give refuge to ousted Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said yesterday.

"We were never approached nor have we received any request. So our position hasn't changed," Mamoepa said.

Aristide is currently in the Central African Republic, and there have been persistent reports that he will be heading to South Africa for asylum.

On Monday Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad told reporters South Africa would "have no problem" with granting asylum, but that he was not aware of any formal request.

However Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon told a media conference yesterday that South Africa should deny Aristide entry in accordance with its own law on asylum seekers.

He said the Refugees Act ruled out refugee status for anyone guilty of acts contrary to the objects and principles of the United Nations or the Organisation of African Unity.

"The actions of the Aristide regime are certainly contrary to the principles of the United Nations Organisation and the African Union, which succeeded the Organisation of African Unity," Leon said.

"These actions include his fraudulent re-election in 2000, his campaign of terror against journalists and human rights workers, and his repression of legitimate political opposition".

He said there was no further room for South Africa to involve itself in Haitian affairs, saying the United Nations Security Council had already authorised a multinational peacekeeping force.

"South Africa should offer political support to UN-led efforts to restore stability, democracy and human rights in Haiti. Beyond that, our direct involvement should be minimal at best".

Also yesterday, New National Party foreign affairs spokesperson Dr Boy Geldenhuys said South Africa could not afford to be estranged from the international community by granting asylum to Aristide.

"This can have serious ramifications for Nepad (New Partnership for Africa's Development)," he said.

South Africa should only consider granting asylum if asked to do so by the UN, and if it formed part of a plan to stabilise the situation in Haiti.

"The international community will have to find a solution for democratically elected leaders who turn into brutal dictators like Aristide and (Zimbabwean President Robert) Mugabe". – Sapa.