EU to send 300 military police to boost security in Haiti

Brussels - The European Union is to reinforce the United Nations mission in Haiti with around 300 military police, the bloc's foreign ministers were set to announce on Monday. Increasing the size of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) is seen as crucial to bolster security and assist the massive relief operations launched in the wake of the January 12 earthquake that left over 112,000 dead.

Spanish foreign minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, who represents the EU's rotating presidency, stated that "the countries which make up the European Gendarmerie Force (Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Romania) are disposed to participate," in the MINUSTAH.

Last week the UN Security Council unanimously voted to boost the mission's size to a total of 8,940 troops and 3,711 police, an increase of 3,500 personnel over the original strength.

Moratinos, who spoke as he entered a meeting with EU colleagues in Brussels, said that "Spain has already sent 23, Italy and France are sending quite substantial numbers."

"Together we will represent the EU in the task of guaranteeing security and above all guaranteeing the arrival of aid," the Spanish minister added.

According to diplomatic sources, France and Italy are set to contribute with over 100 military police each, the Netherlands with about 50 and Spain with close to 40 in total.

Smaller contributions could come from the other two members of the European Gendarmerie Force, Romania and Portugal.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/305613,eu-to-send-300-military-police-to-boost-security-in-haiti.html.