UNITED NATIONS, (Reuters) – Earthquake-ravaged Haiti turned down an offer of troops from the neighboring Dominican Republic, forcing the United Nations to look elsewhere for additional peacekeepers, U.N. diplomats said yesterday.
The Dominican Republic had offered an 800-strong battalion to form part of the reinforcement of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
“We understand the Haitian government has said no to them,” one Western diplomat said on condition of anonymity. He said he assumed the decision came from Haitian President Rene Preval.
The two states share the Caribbean island of Hispaniola but have a history of tense relations.
A U.N. official confirmed that Haiti turned down the offer but said the decision might not be definitive and talks were under way to see if Haiti would allow a rescue team or police from the Dominican Republic to help with the relief efforts.
“We’re hoping other countries can provide troops,” the official said.
The full potential strength of the U.N. peacekeeping force is now 12,651, up from the current level of around 9,000, after a U.N. Security Council resolution adopted on Tuesday.
The United Nations is now rushing to find the extra 3,651 troops and police to help maintain security and deliver aid.