Mylena Fiori
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília - Since April, 2004, the United Nations (UN) has maintained a stabilization force in Haiti. At that time the blue helmets replaced a temporary military force composed of troops from the United States, Chile, Canada, and France. The UN has extended the mission's mandate several times. In February the Council approved a six-month extension to cover the transition period between the provisional government and the inauguration of president-elect René Preval.

"The UN peace forces, especially the peace forces from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, play an essential role in the maintenance of peace and security here. President Preval has reaffirmed the need for our forces to be maintained," observed Brazilian ambassador, Paulo Cordeiro, this Sunday (14), prior to the ceremony to inaugurate the new president.

Translation: David Silberstein