The Haitian government says it has issued former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide with a passport, opening the way for his possible return.
A government official told the AFP news agency the diplomatic passport had been issued on Monday.
However, one of Mr Aristide's lawyers said he had not received it.
Mr Aristide was ousted seven years ago and has been living in exile in South Africa, but has said he wants to return to Haiti.
The news comes at a critical time for Haiti, with continuing uncertainty over the presidential election, due to go into a second round in March. BBC News
