Military

DATE=2/26/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N/Haiti (L-O)

NUMBER=2-313575

BYLINE=Peter Heinlein

DATELINE=United Nations

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-N Security Council has issued a call for prompt international intervention in Haiti, but stopped short of authorizing a peacekeeping force. From U-N headquarters, Peter Heinlein reports Secretary General Kofi Annan named a veteran diplomat as his special adviser on Haiti.

TEXT: Jamaica's Foreign Minister K-D Knight -- representing the Caribbean Community -- came to the Security Council Thursday to plead for the dispatch of a multi-national force to Haiti.

///KNIGHT ACT///

A solution is vital for the short and long term future of Haiti which is so seriously endangered by the escalating insurgency and the prospect of a bloody civil war. The Council should authorize the creation of a force to do this and to encourage participation by those states with the available resources.

///END ACT///

He said many Caribbean countries have already expressed a willingness to contribute to a peacekeeping force.

Haiti's ambassador Jean Alexandre - speaking in French - made an impassioned plea for help. He asked how many women, elderly and children would fall to the machete before a force arrives that can restore stable government?

France made clear it favors a prompt formation of a U-N mandated force. French Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere told reporters violence is not the answer to Haiti's problems.

///DE LA SABLIERE ACT///

The solution should be political one, but supported, and this is what he have said here today in the Council, supported by a multi-national civil force. In support of a political settlement, should be in our view mandated by the Security Council.

///END ACT///

The French ambassador suggested President Aristide should consider stepping down.

///2nd DE LA SABLIERE ACT///

It is up to Aristide to take a decision, to show responsibility.

///END ACT///

U-S Ambassador John Negroponte said Washington supports the multi-national force proposal, but only after a political solution.

///NEGROPONTE ACT///

If a sustainable political agreement in Haiti is reached, the United States would support efforts to deploy an international force to support implementation.

///END ACT///

The Security Council session ended with a strong statement of concern, but no immediate action. The statement promised to urgently consider options for international engagement, and urged all sides to respect human rights.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan responded Thursday to calls for appointment of a special U-N envoy. He appointed veteran Caribbean diplomat John Reginald Dumas of Trinidad and Tobago to be his adviser on Haiti. (Signed)

NEB/NYC/PFH/FC