Haitian premier pleads for international aid

THE prime minister of Haiti last night appealed for international help, saying the Caribbean country is in the throes of a coup d'état.

Former colonial power France said it may send troops in, but US Secretary of State Colin Powell ruled out committing soldiers or police to halt a bloody uprising that threatens a fragile democracy.

He renewed his appeal for political settlement between President Jean-Bertrand Aristede and opposition groups. Prime Minister Yvon Neptune made his appeal after former soldiers joined the rebellion and seized the key central town of Hinche, raising the potential for a full-scale civil war and a return to the dark days when the army killed and tortured opponents in what was know as the Voodoo Isle.