30837: (news) Chamberlain: UN vows no early withdrawal of Haiti peacekeepers (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

     By Joseph Guyler Delva

     PORT-AU-PRINCE, Aug 1 (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
vowed on Wednesday that there will be no quick withdrawal of U.N.
peacekeepers in Haiti, who have helped stabilize the deeply impoverished
country for the first time in years.
     Speaking during his first visit to Haiti since becoming leader of the
world body, Ban said he would recommend a 12-month extension of the mission
of the nearly 9,000-strong, Brazilian-led peacekeeping force when its
mandate comes up for renewal before the U.N. Security Council in October.
     The peacekeepers were dispatched to Haiti in 2004 after a revolt that
toppled former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. They have only recently
brought relative calm to a country torn by violent gangs, killings sparked
by turf wars in teeming slums and a rash of kidnappings.
     "The United Nations, which has been in your country five times in the
past, will not leave until the future is secure," said Ban, who spoke at a
news conference with President Rene Preval, a former Aristide protege and
head of the country's fledgling elected government.
     "The U.N. mission is here to create the necessary conditions for
Haitian authorities and international donors to implement a national
strategy for the poorest urban areas," Ban said.
     He urged Preval to continue efforts aimed at fighting corruption,
which he described as barrier to progress.
     "This is a very serious matter," Ban said. "Corruption undermines
institutions and weakens individuals."