U.S. forces enter Haiti today as a peaceful rather than hostile force after President Clinton's negotiators Sunday night barely averted a U.S. invasion.
In a dramatic, last-minute deal - negotiated by a team led by former president Jimmy Carter - Haiti's military junta agreed to give up power.
"The dictators have realized it is in their best interest and best interest of the Haitian people to relinquish power peacefully," Clinton said in an Oval Office address.
"From the beginning I have said the leaders must go. Tonight I can tell you they will."
Under the agreement, strongman Lt. Gen. Raoul Cedras and other military leaders are to step down as soon as the parliament grants amnesty, by Oct. 15 at the latest.
U.S. officials denied any U.S. money would go to the leaders, but said their foreign bank assets could be unfrozen.
Clinton said U.S. forces will arrive "in conditions that are less dangerous though still not without risk."
About 15,000 heavily armed troops will enter Haiti in the next several days.
The forces arriving today will take over Port-au-Prince International airport, secure the docks there, and take Cap Hatien, a north shore port.
The agreement ended a tense day of brinksmanship. It came only after 61 planes carrying U.S. paratroopers were airborne and headed to Haiti.
"This was clearly power in the service of diplomacy," said Secretary of State Warren Christopher.
Clinton said launching the force was critical: An agreement was signed only after "evidence that paratroopers from our 82nd Airborne division . . . had begun to load up to begin the invasion" was shown.
On Haitian TV late Monday, army installed president Emile Jonassaint admitted the decision occurred as described.
"We couldn't let the annihilation of Haiti happen without any reason," Jonassaint said. "Hence we signed an accord."
Also on Carter's team in Haiti: Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Clinton and the three are to hold a news conference this morning at 11:30 ET.
The departure of a U.S. invasion force from Pope Air Force Base near Fort Bragg, N.C., Sunday evening was part of Clinton's timetable - one he stuck with even as Carter led the final stage of talks.
Restoration of Haiti's elected government was Clinton's main goal and he said Aristide had promised "no vengeance, no violence, no retribution."
