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NEWS RELEASES

November 28, 1997 No. 200

CANADA WELCOMES NEW UNITED NATIONS

CIVILIAN POLICE MISSION IN HAITI

The Government of Canada today welcomed the decision of the United Nations Security Council to create a new UN Civilian Police Mission in Haiti (MIPONUH). The mission's mandate is to assist the Government of Haiti in supporting and contributing to the professionalization of the Haitian National Police. It has been formed in response to a request by the President of the Republic of Haiti to the UN Secretary-General for further support for the development of the Haitian National Police. The mission's mandate will expire on November 30, 1998.

"The United Nations police mission in Haiti is an entirely new mission that is clearly adapted to Haiti's special and evolving circumstances," said Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy. "Canada believes that the new mission established today and the resolution that authorizes it are evidence of the continuing commitment of the international community to assisting Haiti as it continues these early, important steps along the road to stability and development as a democratic nation."

The mandate of the current UN Transition Mission in Haiti (UNTMIH) expires November 30 when most of the participating 600 Canadian Forces members will return home. A small number will remain in Haiti until Canadian equipment has been returned to Canada, and will also assist with the liquidation of UN assets.

"The men and women of our Canadian Forces were very successful in establishing and maintaining a secure and stable environment in which the Haitian people could build democracy," said Minister of National Defence Art Eggleton. "Their contribution has made a lasting impression on the people of Haiti."

Many of the 50 Canadian civilian police officers now serving in Haiti with MITNUH will return to Canada, while others will continue to serve with MIPONUH. The new mission will comprise up to 300 civilian police officers, some of whom will form a security unit to provide assistance to the personnel of the Mission and to protect its property.

"The Royal Canadian Mounted Police's expertise is known around the world," said Solicitor General Andy Scott. "This mission will no doubt make a valuable contribution to the professionalization of the Haitian National Police."

Canada will provide some 24 police officers to MIPONUH, along with six personnel carriers for the special police unit, in addition to the technical assistance provided by Canadian police experts to the Haitian National Police as one part of Canada's broader bilateral program of development assistance.

"Without the rule of law," said Diane Marleau, Minister for International Co-operation and Minister responsible for la Francophonie, "there can be no sustainable social or economic development in Haiti. This support is an integral part of our assistance program to Haiti, which focusses on democracy and good governance, basic human needs and economic development."

The mission will be financed in part by the UN and in part by voluntary contributions from various countries, including Canada.

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This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Internet site at:

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca