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U.N. Security Council Extends Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti

01 June 2005

Violence prompts action for extension to June 24, possible future periods

By Eric Green
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- The U.N. Security Council has extended its multinational peacekeeping mission in Haiti until June 24, with the intention to renew the mission for further periods after that date.

In a May 31 statement, the 15-nation Security Council said it took the action because the explosive situation in Haiti continues to threaten international peace and security.

The extension of what is formally known as the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) follows a Security Council report, released May 13, that called for an expansion of MINUSTAH to 7,500 troops from the 6,700 already authorized. There were 6,211 troops in Haiti as of May 9.  The report also said the civilian police ceiling should be raised to 1,897 from the 1,622 authorized.  More than 1,400 police currently are in Haiti.

The Security Council said that, over the past few months, MINUSTAH has made progress toward creating an environment in which Haiti's political transition can unfold.

However, the Security Council said in a May 31 resolution, which extended MINUSTAH, that this progress remains "fragile, and key challenges lie ahead" as Haiti's political transition enters a "crucial phase."  The resolution said that further outreach by Haiti's transitional government is "essential to obtain the confidence and support of the population."  Also required for Haiti, according to the resolution, is "strong and coordinated support by the international community."

MINUSTAH was created by a previous Security Council resolution on April 30, 2004.  That earlier resolution stated that the mission would remain in Haiti for an initial six-month period.  In November 2004, the Security Council renewed the mission for another six months, until June 1, with the announced intent to renew for additional periods as needed.

The United States, one of a number of countries from the Western Hemisphere in the MINUSTAH contingent, is providing some of the civilian police and military personnel.

The Security Council's May 13 report said the situation in Haiti's capital city of Port-au-Prince remained "volatile," with an increased number of violent acts by various illegal armed groups beginning in February 2005.

Of particular concern, said the report, were emerging alliances between members of the illegal groups -- some associated with Haiti's former military and others with urban gangs.  Also of concern were alleged connections between elements of the national police and illegal armed groups.

The full text of the report of the Security Council mission to Haiti is available on the United Nations Web site.

(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)