19223: (Chamberlain) US-Haiti (later story) (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

   By GEORGE GEDDA

   WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (AP) -- President Bush said Wednesday the United
States supports the creation of an international security presence in Haiti
to maintain order if a political settlement is reached.
   France's foreign minister, Dominique de Villepin, went a step further,
saying such a force should be established immediately so it can get to work
quickly once a government of national unity is formed.
   Bush said the United States remains hopeful a political settlement can
be worked out between the Haitian government and opposition parties.
   Diplomatic efforts to obtain a settlement were set back after opposition
leaders rejected a plan backed by the United States, other hemispheric
countries and the European Union. A key element of the plan is the
appointment of an independent prime minister who has broad-based support.
   Bush said the United States has an "effective strategy" in place to deal
with any exodus of Haitians toward the United States.
   "We will turn back any refugee that attempts to reach our shore, and
that message needs to be very clear as well to the Haitian people," Bush
said.
   Haitians fled a political crisis in large numbers 12 years ago. There
has been little evidence of a repeat of that situation thus far although a
freighter with 22 Haitians on board was intercepted by the Coast Guard off
the coast of Miami Beach.
   Meanwhile, a delegation of about 18 members of the Congressional Black
Caucus met with Bush and other top officials on the Haitian situation
Wednesday.
   Caucus Chairman Elijah Cummings, D-Md., said the group urged Bush to
consider the establishment of a "humanitarian quarter" in Haiti where
relief supplies could be distributed. He said they recommended that the
proposed zone be secured by troops from the United States and other nations
willing to contribute forces.
   In a statement issued after the meeting, the White House made no
commitment to do anything other than consider the lawmakers request.
   "They had a positive discussion about their shared concern for the
Haitian people," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said.
"Humanitarian assistance for the Haitian people is a priority and we
continue through our relief agencies to make sure that aid is getting to
those who need it."
   Officials said discussions were under way at the United Nations on the
possibility of an international police force being sent to Haiti to enforce
a settlement.
   Any such force would need the protection of outside troops, particularly
to ensure their safety upon arrival in Haiti.
   The U.N. General Assembly was expected on Thursday to discuss ways of
achieving a settlement.
   The United States and France have been working together on the Haitian
crisis since it began earlier this month.
   De Villepin said in a statement that the civilian force France is
proposing for Haiti "would be charged with assuring the restoration of
public order and support actions in the field of the international
community." is.
   France, the former colonial power in Haiti, has invited President
Jean-Bertand Aristide and opposition leaders to Paris for discussions on a
settlement. Rebel leader Guy Philippe said Wednesday his troops are ready
to attack the capital, Port-au-Prince, but want to "give a chance to peace"
and will hold off to see if Aristide resigns.
   State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the United States
supports the French initiative. But he suggested the administration does
not see France taking a leading role. The French plan, he said, is "sort of
just another chance" for progress beyond those already taking place in
Haiti itself.
   Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson called for intensified U.S.
involvement in Haiti to protect the elected government against armed groups
which, he said, are backed by forces historically opposed to democracy.
   In a telephone interview with The Associated Press, Jackson said the
United States should pursue a settlement through shuttle diplomacy between
the government and the opposition.
   He also urged the administration to send military aid to Haiti, to stop
the flow of arms into Haiti and to provide emergency assistance.
   Jackson said he presented his views to Powell in a phone conversation
Monday night.
   In his public statements, Powell has been more critical of Aristide than
he has of the democratic opposition. He has accused Aristide of failing to
take action in support of promises to achieve a settlement.