A proposal to transform the Kenyan police-led mission in Haiti into a peacekeeping mission attracted divided opinion at the United Nations Security Council.
In a statement dated Monday, September 30, it was revealed that some members of the Council proposed that the mission be transformed into a peacekeeping mission to enhance its role and funding.
Countries that supported the move include Haiti and the United Kingdom.
"Members were, however, divided on the request to consider the Mission’s eventual transformation into a peacekeeping operation. The representative of the United Kingdom noted that this unanimous adoption is a sign of the Council’s unity behind the need for continued security support and echoed the call to consider the Mission’s transformation," read the statement in part.
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However, representatives of China and Russia expressed reservations over the proposal, explaining that the move would affect the current responsibilities of the police in dealing with the gangs.
"China’s delegate voiced concern over calls to transform the Mission into a peacekeeping operation, as well as the flow of illegal arms into Haiti, warning that discussing other options now will only interfere with the implementation of the Mission’s mandate," the UN statement read in part.
"The representative of the Russian Federation said that until the Mission expands its presence and achieves its goals to counter organized crime in the country."
Meanwhile, it was revealed that the council authorised the extension of the Kenyan-led mission by one year.
Consequently, Kenya's representative called on the members to support the mission through financial donations and additional deployment of forces.
Currently, over 400 officers are assisting the Haitian police in dealing with criminal gangs.
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