Russia and China Reject U.S. Push for UN Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti
Russia and China opposed the U.S. initiative to convert the multinational force in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping mission, citing ongoing violence and funding issues. Despite this, Haitian leaders and the U.S. advocate for the transition to restore security. The call for international support remains critical amidst the dire circumstances in Haiti.
On Wednesday, Russia and China expressed their opposition to a U.S.-led initiative aimed at converting the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti into a United Nations peacekeeping mission. The move comes amid escalating gang violence in Haiti, where gangs have intensified attacks, significantly affecting the capital, Port-au-Prince, and disrupting airport operations. Although the United States proposed transitioning to a U.N. mission to secure funding for the multinational force, Russia and China countered this proposal, arguing it would complicate efforts to address the force’s funding shortages.
Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky highlighted the inappropriate conditions for deploying U.N. peacekeepers in Haiti, emphasizing that their role should be limited to maintaining peace rather than combating crime. Meanwhile, China’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Geng Shuang reiterated that the mandate for the multinational force had just been renewed and that any discussions about transforming it into a peacekeeping operation would hinder immediate funding solutions.
Despite the opposition from Russia and China, support for the U.N. peacekeeping force transformation exists, including from Haitian leaders, who have formally requested such a presence. The Kenyan national security adviser, Monica Juma, indicated that joint operations with the multinational force have successfully secured crucial infrastructure.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Dorothy Shea underscored the urgency of the situation, contending that a transition to a U.N. mission would enable better logistical support and consistent funding for the multinational force. In a compelling appeal, Haitian physician Dr. Bill Pape highlighted the dire security struggles faced by Haiti, advocating for immediate international assistance.
While the complexities surrounding the operation persist, the need for effective measures to restore security and provide humanitarian assistance in Haiti remains paramount.
The context of this article revolves around the critical security situation in Haiti, which has been exacerbated by violent gangs that now control a significant portion of the capital and its suburbs. The Kenya-led multinational force was deployed to assist in maintaining law and order, yet faces severe financial constraints. The proposal from the United States to transition this force into a U.N. peacekeeping mission aims to secure sustainable funding but has met with opposition from key players like Russia and China. The broader implications involve ongoing debates within the U.N. Security Council regarding how best to provide support to Haiti to restore safety and order.
In summary, the proposal to transition the Kenya-led multinational force in Haiti to a U.N. peacekeeping mission faces substantial opposition from Russia and China, highlighting concerns about the current violence in Haiti and funding challenges. Despite numerous appeals for international assistance and support for the force, the call for a swift transformation into a U.N. mission raises questions about its effectiveness in the current destabilized context. Overall, the situation in Haiti underscores the urgent need for comprehensive international engagement to address the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.newspressnow.com
