Military

DATE=2/29/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH - HAITI (L)

NUMBER=2-313651

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush is sending U-S troops to Haiti as the first contingent of an international security force. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports Mr. Bush is urging all Haitians to reject violence and give the constitutional process a chance to work, following the resignation of that country's president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

TEXT: The president says Haiti has begun a new chapter in its history, and he emphasizes the United States wants to help.

/// BUSH ACT ///

I have ordered the deployment of Marines as the leading element of an interim international force.

/// END ACT ///

He says the goal is to bring order and stability to Haiti. Speaking to reporters on the White House grounds, Mr. Bush called on the Haitian people to seize this new opportunity and refrain from bloodshed.

/// BUSH ACT ///

I would urge the people of Haiti to reject violence and give this break from the past a chance to work.

/// END ACT ///

The president's tone was somber as he spoke about recent events in Haiti. His comments were brief, focusing on the job ahead now that Jean-Bertrand Aristide has left the country for a life in exile.

/// BUSH ACT ///

The constitution of Haiti is working. There is an interim president as per the constitution, in place.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Bush did not talk about any possible U-S role in Mr. Aristide's decision to leave Haiti. In a written statement, the State Department said only that the United States facilitated his safe departure.

The statement stressed consultations are underway on a U-N resolution authorizing international support for a peaceful and constitutional transition in Haiti. It also called for countries to join the United States and contribute to the international military mission. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/RAE