MINUSTAH - Interim report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2004/698)

This interim report, submitted under Security Council resolution 1542 (2004), describes the first months of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti after authority was transferred from the Multinational Interim Force on 1 June 2004. MINUSTAH assumed operational responsibility on 25 June with 2,127 troops, more than half from Brazil, reaching 2,755 by 17 August, while civilian police numbered 240 officers from 17 countries plus a first Jordanian formed police unit of 125. Security improved gradually, but armed groups still controlled parts of the country and former soldiers claimed security functions; the Haitian National Police counted only 3,567 officers. The Transitional Government led by Prime Minister Gerard Latortue presented its 100-day record, prepared the Interim Cooperation Framework, whose assessed needs of 1,370 million dollars drew pledges of 1,085 million dollars at the July 2004 Washington donors conference, and requested United Nations electoral assistance. The report reviews stalled disarmament, tensions with Fanmi Lavalas including the detention of former Prime Minister Yvon Neptune, national dialogue efforts and the restoration of State authority.