Haitian Police backed by soldiers of the multinational peacekeeping force began Friday to disarm the rebels led by former military leader Guy Philippe in Cap-Haitien and Gonaives cities, reports said.

US Marines were deployed in both cities for security tasks while police tried to take the weapons of the insurgents.

However, spokesmen of the multinational force that also includes French, Chilean and Canadian troops stated their mission was not to disarm the rebels.

Some media organizations like Radio Metropole reported certain resistance to lay down the arms, especially in Gonaives, but no clashes were registered.

Dominican Ambassador to Haiti Paul Arcelin said the rebels aimed at keeping their guns as long as supporters of former President Jean Bertrand Aristide held on to theirs.

On Wednesday, Philippe pledged his forces would drop their guns but so far no plan has been announced. The former military leader assured his group's weapons were in rebel bases "spreading all over the country."

(Xinhua News Agency March 6, 2004)