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 Home > News & Policies > February 2004

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 29, 2004

President Bush Urges Haitians to Reject Violence
Remarks by the President on Haiti
The South Grounds

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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