US renews support for Haiti

The United States has renewed its commitments toward the Haitian people and the multi-national peace-keeping force that had been dispatched to the Caribbean island country to help local authorities maintain order. The re-affirmed US stand was expressed during a meeting that grouped Secretary of State Anotny Blinken with the visiting Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille and Foreign Minister Dominique Dupuy in Washington on Tuesday, according to a statement released by the State Department. Secretary Blinken, Prime Minister Conille, and Foreign Minister Dupuy discussed the crisis in Haiti and the recent arrival of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support mission. The Secretary reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the mission and the Haitian people. In addition to improved security, the parties reinforced the importance of good governance, including the facilitation of free and fair elections, inclusive growth, and the provision of humanitarian assistance. The multi-national force comprises 2,500 troops. The United States is this particular mission is the largest financial contributor and the largest donor to Haiti in general, providing more than USD 300 million and up to USD 60 million in equipment. Source: Kuwait News Agency