Bush sends in marines

US PRESIDENT George W Bush ordered yesterday the deployment of US Marines to Haiti to deter rebels from grabbing power.

Criticised for responding slowly to defuse the revolt and for failing to mediate a viable alternative to Mr Aristide, Washington was worried rebels would fill a power vacuum in a nation with a history of coups and political violence.

"I have ordered the deployment of Marines as the leading element of an interim international force to help bring order and stability to Haiti," Mr Bush told reporters.