U.S. forces to intervene in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Gerard Latortue, a former U.N. official chosen to lead Haiti out of political turmoil, returned from the United States Wednesday to begin the arduous task of building a government. Loyalists of the former president said they wouldn't accept him.\nHis arrival came as the U.S. military announced an escalation in its mission in the Caribbean nation, promising Marines will move quickly to stop Haitian-against-Haitian violence.\nSince Sunday, Marines have killed at least four Haitians, including a driver who sped toward a checkpoint and a gunman who fired on an anti-Aristide demonstration. Tuesday, the American troops shot to death two Haitians who opened fire near the outgoing prime minister's private residence.\nAfter walking off a plane that brought him from Florida, Latortue shook hands with police officers and embraced relatives and friends. He was also greeted by members of a council that chose him to be the new prime minister.\nOnce critical of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, he has said his first priority will be to unite a population divided between those who oppose the former leader and supporters who want to see him returned to power.\nAristide fled Feb. 29 amid international pressure to step down and a bloody rebellion that left more than 300 dead. The once-popular slum priest, elected on promises to champion the poor, lost support as Haitians accused his government of corruption and attacks against his political opponents.\nIn the Central African Republic, Aristide still maintained he is the legitimate leader of Haiti and that U.S. officials forced him from office. Wednesday, his lawyers said they were preparing cases accusing authorities in the United States and France of abducting him and forcing him into exile.\nU.S. officials have denied they forced Aristide from office, saying they helped him escape Haiti with his life as rebels advanced on the capital.\nStaff Sgt. Timothy Edwards said Marines were patrolling near the private residence of outgoing Prime Minister Yvon Neptune Tuesday when they were shot at. The Marines fired back and killed at least two gunmen, he said. No peacekeepers were wounded.