US top diplomat, UN chief discuss Haiti over phone

ISTANBUL

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday discussed the situation in Haiti, according to an official statement.

In a phone call, Blinken informed Guterres about his visit to the Caribbean country on Sep. 5, where he met with the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to evaluate efforts in assisting the Haitian National Police in combating gang violence and restoring security for the Haitian people, the State Department said in a statement released on Thursday.

“Secretary Blinken and Secretary-General Guterres discussed the possibility of transforming the MSS mission into a UN peacekeeping mission to ensure the Haitian people receive sustainable security support,” it added.

Blinken expressed his gratitude to Guterres for his leadership in Haiti ahead of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week, which will kick off on Sept. 23.

On Oct. 2, 2023, members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) approved the Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti.

The adopted resolution stated that the mission, approved at the request of the Haitian government and Guterres, would contribute to Haiti's security.

The resolution also highlighted that the mission would provide support to the Haitian National Police and would take "necessary steps" in close cooperation with the Haitian government for an initial period of one year.

Haiti has been struggling with gang violence and political instability for years. Three years ago, the country saw an escalation of violence following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.