Bush warns Haitians not to flee to U.S.

President Bush yesterday vowed to turn back any Haitian refugees trying to reach American shores, but pledged that the United States will encourage the international community to provide a “security presence” in the rebel-torn nation as part of a political settlement.

“I have made it abundantly clear to the Coast Guard that we will turn back any refugee that attempts to reach our shore,” the president said in the Oval Office.

“That message needs to be very clear, as well, to the Haitian people. … And so we encourage, strongly encourage the Haitian people to stay home as we work to reach a peaceful solution to this problem,” he said.

“Incident to a political settlement, we will encourage the international community to provide a security presence,” Mr. Bush told reporters.

France’s foreign minister, Dominique de Villepin, went a step further, saying such a force should be established immediately so it can get to work quickly once a government of national unity is formed.

Mr. Bush spoke as foreigners hurried to escape the country, some with assistance from U.S. Marines, in the face of an expected rebel assault on the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Supporters of embattled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide set up burning barricades throughout the city and looters surged through the streets as any semblance of order broke down, according to wire service reports.

Several other countries joined the United States in calling for diplomatic or military action to resolve the crisis, with France issuing a strong statement blaming Mr. Aristide for the breakdown.

The U.N. Security Council was scheduled to meet on the subject today.

Mr. Bush said he and Secretary of State Colin L. Powell have “been in close consultations” and working to “achieve a political settlement between the current government and the rebels,” who already control the northern half of the country.

“We are watching the situation very carefully. The secretary of state has been in touch with Canadian officials and French officials and Caribbean officials, all aimed to convince the parties to come to the table and effect a peaceful solution.”

Mr. Bush pledged to work toward a “political solution” and ensured Haitians that the United States will have “a robust presence with an effective strategy.”

“We will encourage the international community to provide a security presence. And that is also being discussed right now,” he said.

White House spokesman Scott McClellan elaborated on the warning for Haitians not to take to the seas, saying, “It’s important that the Haitian people know that our migration policy is very clear and it remains the same. We are focused on bringing about a peaceful, political solution to the situation.”

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