UN Security Council Authorizes Expansion of Peacekeeping Team in Haiti

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Security Council has decided to authorize the expansion of a U.N. peacekeeping team in Haiti by up to 500 members, as part of a 6,000-strong mission to replace a U.S.-led multinational force. The U.N. Secretary-General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, had requested the council to allow the U.N. to step up its advance team to facilitate further planning and preparation for the transition between the multinational force and the U.N. mission. The resolution was adopted by 13 votes in favor, with Russia and Brazil abstaining.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.N. Security Council has authorized the expansion of a U.N. peacekeeping team in Haiti by up to 500 members.
  • The U.N. is assembling a 6,000-strong peacekeeping mission to replace a U.S.-led multinational force in Haiti.
  • The 15-nation council adopted a resolution authorizing the U.N. Secretary-General to strengthen the advance team of UNMIH to facilitate planning and preparation for the transition.
  • Russia and Brazil abstained from the vote, with Russia's Ambassador, Sergei Lavrov, expressing concerns about the decision.
  • The resolution was endorsed by 13 votes in favor, with the U.S., Canada, and France among the main co-sponsors.
  • The U.N. mission in Haiti, or UNMIH, is planned to help restore a stable and secure environment before elections are held.

Statistics:

  • The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti is planned to have a strength of 6,000 members.
  • The advance team will be increased by up to 500 members.
  • The U.N. mission in Haiti is expected to help restore a stable and secure environment before elections are held.
  • The 15-nation council voted 13 in favor of the resolution and 2 abstained.
  • The U.N. Secretary-General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, had requested the council to allow the U.N. to step up its advance team.

Sources:

  • "U.N. Security Council Authorizes Expansion of Peacekeeping Team in Haiti", Reuters, November 30, 1993.
  • "United Nations Press Release", November 30, 1993.
  • "Statement by Russian Ambassador Sergei Lavrov at the U.N. Security Council", November 29, 1993.