THE LEDGER-STAR
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 19, 1994 TAG: 9409190211
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: ABOARD THE USS EISENHOWER LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
The thousands of U.S. troops arriving in Haiti today will seek to secure major installations and maintain order should fighting erupt between Haitians loyal to the departing rulers and followers of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Defense Secretary William Perry told reporters at the Pentagon this morning that a top priority for the initial wave of U.S. troops was to ``prepare for their own self-defense'' and ensure protection of the full landing force.
Perry also said details would be worked out later on how and when to disarm Haitian forces.
``Certainly, by the time the new regime comes in, Aristide comes in, we expect that disarming to be done, yes,'' Perry said in an impromptu interview.
A few hours after sunrise this morning, the Eisenhower was stationed 30 to 40 miles off Port-au-Prince with a clear view of land. Army helicopter and Navy flight deck crews were checking systems, waiting for the word to go ashore.
The initial targets include the airport in the capital of Port-au-Prince as well as its major seaport, which also is home to a power plant. Other contingencies include rapid deployment of light infantry to outlying areas, including Jeremie, a town of 21,000 that is Aristide's birthplace.
This, according to senior U.S. officers, is one of several areas viewed as high potential for fighting among rival Haitian factions.
Hours after President Clinton called off a nighttime invasion of Haiti, U.S. military planners in Washington and Port-au-Prince put in motion a second plan - an influx of some 15,000 U.S. troops over the next several days but without guns blazing or the additional punch of nighttime paratroopers.
The Haitian military could remain in power for nearly a month longer, but Defense Secretary William Perry said the U.S. military will enforce the agreement and will have the final say if any disputes arise.
``Our entry plans are not based on trust,'' Perry said. ``We are going in with a very large and a very well armed military force. Our protection will be in our arms, not in trust.'' ILLUSTRATION: ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Clinton meets in the Oval Office with Vice President Gore,
on crutches, and Secretary of State Warren Christopher. An invasion
of Haiti was dramatically averted Sunday night when the president's
negotiators reached an 11th-hour agreement.
KEYWORDS: HAITI U.S.S. EISENHOWER by CNB