Brazil backs UN resolution on Haiti
The Brazilian government said Thursday it supported the resolution of the United Nations which increased the presence of the UN peacekeeping force in Haiti and extended its mission until February.

The Brazilian Foreign Ministry in a press bulletin reiterated its commitment to stability, the promotion of human rights and development of Haiti.

Brazil will redouble its efforts to guarantee the extension of the mandate and reinforcement of the contingent so as to ensure the necessary conditions for the political transition and national reconciliation in Haiti, said the ministry.

The country has deployed about 1,200 troops as part of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

The UN Security Council voted on Wednesday to expand the size of the UN peacekeeping force in Haiti by more than 1,000 troops and police in a bid to improve security there before the country's elections in late 2005. The mandate of the MINUSTAH under the Brazilian command has also been extended by eight months.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said the stabilization force will stay there during the whole electoral process until the installation of a new government in February next year.

Haiti is scheduled to hold local elections on Oct. 9 and the first round of presidential and parliamentary elections on Nov. 13.