The European security force in Haiti: 300-350 men
(BRUSSELS2) The european security force which will be deployed in Haiti could include at least 300-350 people. In the state of the offers, we are talking about 100-140 French (Gendarmerie), 100 Italians (Carabinieri), 60 Dutch (Marechaussee), 23 Spaniards (Guardia Civil) and possibly Portuguese (these should confirm their participation of here a few days).
European coordination. This would be placed in the hierarchical structure of the Minustah (the United Nations force in Haiti) but the European contribution would be coordinated by the EUCO cell set up in Brussels. It is thus a question of having a "European visibility" to the efforts of the Member States and of avoiding the impression of dispersion left in public opinion. A point on which several ministers insisted during the Foreign Affairs Council on January 25.
Gendarmes better equipped than soldiers. As Karel de Gucht, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, explained during the Council: " It's not really armed soldiers that we need on the spot. But personnel capable of maintaining order ". " Our gendarmes are perfectly adapted to this task added Pierre Lelluche, the French Secretary of State for European Affairs, on leaving the Council: Mmaintaining order in difficult environments, in the city, in the suburbs, in the countryside… It's their daily job. Haiti is not a country at war. »
(photo: Ministry of Defense Fr / Dicod)