June 28, 1996 No. 120

CANADA WELCOMES CREATION OF NEW

UN PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN HAITI

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of National Defence David Collenette and Pierre S. Pettigrew, Minister for International Co-operation and Minister Responsible for la Francophonie, today welcomed the decision of the United Nations Security Council to create the United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH), which will be operational for the five-month period July 1 to November 30, 1996. This mission will replace the United Nations Mission in Haiti, whose mandate ends on June 30, 1996.

"We are pleased that the Security Council has agreed on the terms for this new UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti. Canada firmly believes that the continuation of the UN's presence will assist Haiti's efforts to consolidate democracy and will provide a firm foundation for peace and development in that country," said Mr. Axworthy.

"Canada's continued involvement with this UN mission is an indication of our determination to ensure stability and security in Haiti," said Mr. Collenette. "Our troop contribution will number up to 750, in keeping with our previous peacekeeping commitment."

The ministers noted that Canada's historic ties to Haiti have been strengthened through peacekeeping efforts and the bilateral development assistance program and that the two countries have a close relationship based on people-to-people contacts and a shared Francophone heritage. Canada's continued involvement in this mission is in keeping with the all-party resolution of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

"I am pleased that Canada, through funding provided by the Canadian International Development Agency, will contribute 100 police officers to UNSMIH's civilian police contingent of 300," said Mr. Pettigrew.

UNSMIH will be jointly funded by the UN and voluntary contributions from interested members, including Canada. Its mandate will be to assist in the professionalization of the Haitian National Police, to help maintain a climate of public security and to provide assistance in strengthening Haiti's democratic institutions.

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