Brasília, March 5, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Brazilian government intends to send 1,100 soldiers to Haiti to join the United Nations Multilateral Force to help in the reconstruction of the country. During a telephone conversation early yesterday (4) afternoon with French President Jacques Chirac, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that Brazil is at the UN's disposal to dispatch soldiers for peace operations, expected to begin three months from now.

According to Presidential spokesman André Singer, President Chirac argued on behalf of Brazil's assuming leadership of all the peace forces in Haiti. "President Chirac said that in the second phase of the international peace operations in that country, the participation of Brazilian troops is fundamental. He added that it would also be of the greatest importance for Brazil to assume control of this force, which will be composed of contingents from Canada, France, the United States, Caribbean Community countries, and Argentina, as well as Brazil," the spokesman informed.

The idea of Brazil's commanding the peace forces, according to Chirac, is shared by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Lula assured Chirac that Brazil is also at the UN's disposal to exercise command of the troops in Haiti, if necessary. "President Lula said that Brazil would be honored by this appointment," Singer stated. (DAS)