The international armed force the United Nations is seeking to help Haiti dismantle the threat to its stability and secure the country for elections could consist of a mix of military and police units, but must have the muscle, assets and intelligence capabilities necessary to fight heavily armed kidnapping gangs.
But most importantly, such a force would not be a substitute for the Haiti National Police, according to a confidential U.N. document obtained by the Miami Herald and circulating among some member states.
“An international force must not substitute for, but complement, the HNP, and provide it with adequate capabilities, weapons, equipment and specialized expertise,” the document states. “High coordination and division of labor between the force and the HNP will be critical.”
