UN asks RP to send medical mission to Haiti

The United Nations has asked the Philippines to send a medical contingent to troubled Haiti as part of a planned international peacekeeping mission, Manila’s envoy to the world body said yesterday.

The UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations has asked for 45 Filipino doctors, dentists and support staff for the stabilization force expected to be on the ground in Haiti in June, ambassador Lauro Baja said.

The Filipinos would provide primary health care services to UN personnel, who will serve there. The mission is to take over security and rehabilitation functions previously carried out by the 3,400-strong Multi-National Force made up of troops from France, US, Canada and Chile.

"We see this latest invitation as a recognition of our previous contributions in UN peacekeeping operations as well as our active participation in the Security Council debates on the Haiti issue," Baja said.

A small Filipino contingent is currently deployed with US-led occupation forces in Iraq. Troops have previously also served in Kosovo and East Timor. — AFP, Marvin Sy