SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres submitted a letter to the Security Council on Sunday proposing the immediate activation of a rapid action force following a plea for help from Haiti as gangs and protesters paralyze the country.
The letter, which was seen by the Associated Press but has not been made public, said the rapid action force would be deployed by one or several member states to help Haiti's National Police. That force would"remove the threat posed by armed gangs and provide immediate protection to critical infrastructure and services," as well as secure the"free movement of water, fuel, food and medical supplies from main ports and airports to communities and health care facilities.
A Canadian official who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter told the AP on condition of anonymity that"we are watching the situation in Haiti closely and will be working with our international partners to assess Haiti's broader request for international support." "However, as indicated, a return to U.N. peacekeeping was not the preferred option of the authorities," it states.
On Friday, Haiti's government published an official document signed by Prime Minister Ariel Henry and 18 top-ranking officials requesting from international partners"the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force, in sufficient quantity," to stop the"criminal actions" of armed gangs across the country.
Gas stations and schools are closed, while banks and grocery stores are operating on a limited schedule. The outbreak comes as UNICEF warns that three-fourths of major hospitals across Haiti are unable to provide critical service"due to the fuel crisis, insecurity and looting."
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UN ponders rapid armed force to help end Haiti's crisisSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres submitted a letter to the Security Council on Sunday proposing the immediate activation of a rapid action force following a plea for help from Haiti as gangs and protesters paralyze the country.
Read more »