NEWS RELEASES
CANADA TO LEAD UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN HAITI
February 29, 1996 No. 29
CANADA TO LEAD UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN HAITI
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Minister of National Defence David
Collenette today announced that, on the request of the United Nations Secretary-General, Canada will be taking command of the United Nations Mission in Haiti
(UNMIH) as of March 1, 1996.
"Canada has played an active role in restoring democracy in Haiti," said Mr.
Axworthy. "We share a mutual interest in the security and stability of the
Western Hemisphere, and are committed to maintaining the success of our
peacekeeping and development efforts there. The most useful way to ensure this is
by continuing to support the UN in Haiti."
"The UN's request to Canada to take command of this mission indicates the value
placed on our peacekeeping experience and skills," said Mr. Collenette. "In
addition to assuming command of UNMIH, we are sending troops from the 5e Groupe-brigade mécanisé du Canada, based in Valcartier, Quebec. The contingent will be
augmented by 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron from Edmonton, Alberta, and 4
Engineer Support Regiment from Gagetown, New Brunswick."
The size and scope of UNMIH have been reduced by the UN Security Council to
reflect the achievements of the mission over the last 18 months. Although the
UNMIH Force has been decreased to 1 200 military personnel, Canada considers it
necessary to assign approximately 700 additional troops to permit UNMIH to
maintain a visible presence throughout the country and to provide for the security
of UN and other designated personnel.
Solicitor General Herb Gray stated that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
will continue its role in the mission. "Canada wants to help ensure a peaceful,
stable civil society in Haiti," said Mr. Gray. "We will continue to provide 100
officers to the 300-member civilian police contingent. They will be involved in
field training for Haitian National Police recruits and training at the Haitian
National Police Academy."
Minister for International Co-operation and Minister Responsible for la
Francophonie Pierre S. Pettigrew, in Montreal, underscored the two countries'
historic ties and mutual francophone heritage. He noted the role of the Canadian
International Development Agency (CIDA) in supplementing Canadian peacekeeping
efforts in Haiti. "Canada's aid, carried out in partnership with Canadian and
international organizations, is fighting poverty and helping to rebuild Haitian
society," said Mr. Pettigrew. "CIDA is also supporting the training of Haitian
police officers under RCMP direction by officers from police forces across
Canada."
UNMIH's mandate has been extended to June 30, 1996.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
Director General of Public Affairs
Media Liaison Office
Department of National Defence
(613) 996-2353
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
(819) 953-6534
Media Relations
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
(613) 993-1085
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