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Verhagen: EU is preparing security mission to Haiti

News item | 17-01-2010

The European Union is preparing a mission to Haiti to maintain security and public order, in response to a request by the United Nations.

This was confirmed by foreign minister Maxime Verhagen following a telephone conversation with the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and a number of his European colleagues.

'If security is lacking, aid to the victims of the earthquake will grind to a halt,' said the minister. 'This is why I have been urging the EU to help safeguard security in Haiti.'

In close consultation with the UN and the United States, the EU will determine what form its contribution should take (e.g. a police mission).

Once the most pressing humanitarian needs have been met, the EU ministers have expressed a wish to hold an aid conference, in order to expedite the reconstruction of the ravaged island.