[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 10 (Monday, March 8, 2004)]
[Page 310]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the Resignation of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide
of Haiti

February 29, 2004

    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.

Note: The President spoke at 1:05 p.m. on the South Grounds at the White 
House.