The Associated Press has terminated its relationship with a freelance reporter in Haiti after learning she was working for a U.S. government-sponsored organization.
The National Endowment for Democracy confirmed Regine Alexandre began working for the organization in October as a "part-time facilitator" between the NED and Haitian groups.
The NED describes itself as a private, nonprofit organization that aims to strengthen democratic institutions around the world, but receives funding from the U.S. Congress.
"AP employees must avoid any behavior or activities that create a conflict of interest or compromise our ability to report the news fairly and accurately," said Mike Silverman, the news agency's managing editor.
Alexandre, who freelances for other news organizations, reported only one story for the AP - on the Dec. 24 killing of a U.N. peacekeeper in Haiti - after beginning her association with the NED. She first began reporting for the AP in 2004.
After another freelance journalist raised questions this week about Alexandre and the NED, she denied she was an employee of the organization. She said she had made trips into the Haitian countryside to establish links between the NED and Haitian non-governmental organizations and was reimbursed for her expenses.
When told later that the NED confirmed her employment, she continued to maintain she did not work for the organization.
The NED said it was unaware when it hired Alexandre that she worked for the AP or any other media organization.
