UN Security Council considers options for international involvement in Haiti

Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating political, security and humanitarian situation in Haiti, the United Nations Security Council today pledged to "consider urgently options for international engagement, including that of sending an international force" to support a political settlement.

A Presidential statement read by the Council President for February, Ambassador Wang Guangya of China, said, "The Security Council is deeply concerned with the prospect of further violence in Haiti and acknowledges the call for international involvement in Haiti."

The Council "calls upon the parties to act responsibly by choosing negotiation instead of confrontation," he said, adding that "an accelerated timetable now seems necessary."

The Council "deplores the loss of life that has already occurred and fears that this failure, thus far, to reach a political settlement may result in further bloodshed. Continued violence and the breakdown of law and order in Haiti could have destabilizing effects in the region," he said.

The Council would support the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of American States (OAS) as they worked for a peaceful and constitutional solution to the current impasse, Mr. Wang said.

Video of the Security Council meeting [3hrs]