Aristide must be part of solution to Haiti crisis

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Aristide must be part of solution to Haiti crisis


The UN's peacekeeping mission has been extended for one year

October 16, 2007, 05:00


By Thami Dickson
The resolution of the political problems facing the Caribbean nation of Haiti would not be complete without the involvement of the former Haitian Presidentm, Jean Bertrand Aristide. This emerged as the UN Security Council extended the mandate of its peacekeeping mission in Haiti for one year.

The council says Haiti has a golden chance to begin to rebuild itself with the help of the international community. Aristide is in temporary asylum in South Africa after he was removed from power in a political revolt in 2004.

The UN peace keeping mission in Haiti, known as Minustah, was established in 2004 to stabilise the country following a violent political uprising that resulted in the overthrow of Aristide. Since then, Haiti has struggled against lawlessness perpetuated by armed gangs operating from slum neighborhoods.

Political challenges
The Security Council has heard that order is now returning to Haiti and there is a chance for the Haitians to resolve their political challenges.

Aristide is seen as the important element in the ultimate stabilisation of this Caribbean nation. Although he was not discussed in the Security Council, his influence and support in the country is acknowledged as critical in the efforts to build lasting peace.

With the Haitian National Police struggling to build their ranks, the UN is providing the majority of the country's security forces. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, who visited Haiti recently, writes in his report that the country needs help to expedite social and economic development and in building functioning civil institutions.

Ajouté le Jeudi 18 octobre 2007