U-S Marines have arrived in Haiti, just hours after President Jean-Bertrand Aristide fled into exile. U-S officials say the troops will restore order and bring stability to the troubled Caribbean nation. The Marines who landed in Port-au-Prince late Sunday are the first part of an international peacekeeping force backed by the United Nations. More troops will be coming from France, Canada and Brazil. Mr. Aristide arrived today in the Central African Republic, and officials there say he may go on to South Africa.
Iraq's Governing Council has agreed on an interim constitution after marathon talks resolved key differences among the body's 25 members. The document, which is to be signed Wednesday, recognizes Islam as one source of legislation, but not the primary source, as had been demanded by some council members.
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has dismissed claims by a Muslim militant group that it bombed a ferry which caught fire and partially sank late last week near Manila. In a statement today Ms. Arroyo called the claims by the Abu Sayyaf group propaganda. She said an investigation has so far turned up nothing to indicate the fire was the result of a terrorist incident. Divers continued to search the half-sunken ferry, but have found none of at least 137 passengers listed as missing.