MINUSTAH Requests 11 Helicopters to Assist with

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 002931 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL HA MINUSTAH SUBJECT: MINUSTAH Requests 11 Helicopters to Assist with Haitian Elections ¶1. Post received a diplomatic note November 24, 2005, from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Please see complete text below. The first and second rounds of elections are scheduled January 8 and February 15, respectively. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America in Haiti, and has the honour to submit a request for logistical support to its Government in preparation for, and during the upcoming electoral period. In order to ensure the successful holding of the elections, in accordance with its mandate and in support of the Transitional Government of Haiti, MINUSTAH has taken a more proactive role in organizing the day of the elections. To this end, MINUSTAH would be in dire need of an additional fleet of 11 helicopters to be deployed for one week around the date of the first and second round of the elections. These helicopters would be deployed on the eleven MINUSTAH military compounds in the ten Administrative districts of Haiti, and would be used for the transport of civilians, electoral kits and voting ballots before the election days. They will also be tasked to gather the voters list after the closing of the voting centres. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti expresses its appreciation the Embassy of the United States of America for its assistance and avails itself of this opportunity to renew the assurances of its highest consideration.