Aristide asks for help as rebels advance

"Could a peace force be deployed?" de Villepin said.

"We are in touch with all our partners within the framework of the United Nations, who have sent a humanitarian mission to see what can be done," he added.

The minister, whose country ruled what is now Haiti in the 18th century, also said the French government was setting up a crisis unit on the situation.

He said the unit was due to hold an initial meeting yesterday.