Activists oppose renewal of UN Mission in Haiti

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UNITED NATIONS (FinalCall.com) - The UN Security Council created the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti, known by its French acronym MINUSTAH, keep what was seen as a polarized Haiti from violent implosion following the ouster of democratically elected president Jean Bertrand Aristide by Western powers.

The 15-member Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution to extend the controversial peacekeeping mission until Oct. 15, 2013, with a planned draw-down of troop strength from 7,340 to 6,270. According to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, the key prerequisite for total withdrawal is having a 16,000 strong national police force in Haiti. The force was first authorized in 2004.
Inside the Security Council chamber during an open meeting, Haiti’s Ambassador to the United Nations Jean Wesley Cazeau said his government was pleased with the plan for “configuring” MINUSTAH.

U.S. ambassador Susan Rice told the council the U.S. government would remain a “steadfast friend” to the Caribbean nation. However, Ambassador Rice added: “The mission must remain effective in achieving its mandate and adhere to the highest standards.”

Meanwhile, across the street from UN headquarters at 42 St. and First Ave., activists from the Haitian American Justice Coalition argued the past eight years of MINUSTAH’s mandate represented a debilitating military occupation by the UN, U.S., France and Canada.

“The highest standard would be a complete withdrawal,” said Jean Robert Lafortune, an activist with the Justice Coalition.

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