White House (now)

1:05 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: President Aristide resigned. He has left his country. The Constitution of Haiti is working. There is an interim President, as per the Constitution, in place.

I have ordered the deployment of Marines, as the leading element of an interim international force, to help bring order and stability to Haiti. I have done so in working with the international community. This government believes it essential that Haiti have a hopeful future. This is the beginning of a new chapter in the country's history.

I would urge the people of Haiti to reject violence, to give this break from the past a chance to work. And the United States is prepared to help.

Thank you.

END1:07 P.M. EST



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Unfortunatly, President Aristide has gotten a hold of a cell phone and is calling from the room he is being kept in. He has been kidnaped and is being held not of his own free will. He spoke to Congresswoman Waters. He has NOT resigned!

http://www.house.gov/waters/

http://pacifica.org/programs/haiti/index.html