Rebels agree to US demand to disarm

HAITI'S Prime Minister Yvon Neptune declared a state of emergency, as rebels agreed to disarm and US and French troops staged a show of force in Port-au-Prince following deadly gun battles.

At least three people were killed in downtown Port-au-Prince when police tried to re-establish control in the La Saline slum, a bastion of gangs loyal to fallen president Jean Bertrand Aristide.

US Marines and French forces later patrolled the streets in light armoured vehicles to prevent a resurgence of killing, looting and arson that erupted after Mr Aristide's flight into exile on Sunday.