23118: (Chamberlain) UN chief urges Haiti to step up disarmament (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

UNITED NATIONS, Sept 7 (AFP): UN Secretary General Kofi Annan Tuesday urged
Haiti's transitional government to step up efforts to disarm the gangs that
still pose a security threat six months after an armed uprising brought
down the government.

"I urge the transitional government, as a matter of priority, to establish
a national commission on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration,"
Annan said in a report on UN efforts in Haiti.

The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti deployed to the Caribbean
nation to replace US and French troops who took over security after former
president Jean Bertrand Aristide fled into exile on February 29.

In his report on the mission, Annan urged "an even-handed fight against
impunity and the enforcement of accountability. The restoration of the rule
of law will be crucial to restoring the confidence of citizens."

He said the interim government "must do more to establish a
well-functioning justice system that is accessible to all and operates free
of inappropriate governmental, political or private influence."

An interim government was established after Aristide went into exile
February 29 amid a popular and armed revolt. The 34-nation OAS recognized
the interim Haitian government in June.