U.N. peacekeepers to stay in Haiti

The Security Council voted unanimously Monday to keep U.N. peacekeepers in Haiti for six months and called for increased aid for the poverty-stricken nation. The resolution also called for the inclusion of those who have rejected violence in the political process leading to elections next year. It said "the situation in Haiti continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region" and continues to pose challenges to the Caribbean nation's political, social and economic stability. The resolution extended the U.N. mission until June 1, 2005, "with the intention to renew for further periods." Bands of rebels and former soldiers launched a three-week rebellion in February that ended with President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's ouster and the arrival of a U.S.-led peacekeeping force. It was replaced in June by a 3,000-member U.N. force led by Brazil. [more]