HAITI: BRAZILIANS ASSUME CONTROL OVER CITE SOLEIL

C O N F I D E N T I A L PORT AU PRINCE 000941 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR S/CRS SOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD STATE PASS AID FOR LAC/CAR INR/IAA (BEN-YEHUDA) WHA/EX PLEASE PASS USOAS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/12/2016 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL HA SUBJECT: HAITI: BRAZILIANS ASSUME CONTROL OVER CITE SOLEIL REF: A. A) IIR 6840-9890-06 ¶B. B) IIR 6840-9887-06 Classified By: AMB Janet A. Sanderson, REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D). ¶1. (C) Per reftel B, the Brazilian Battalion of MINUSTAH has assumed Cite Soleil as its area of responsibility (AOR), replacing the Jordanian Battalion as of 23 May. The MINUSTAH memo ordering the change stated that the new Brazilian AOR will take advantage of the strengths of both battalions while minimizing weaknesses. According to the MINUSTAH order, the Jordanian battalion's size and vehicle assets are better suited to covering an area larger than Cite Soleil versus the Brazilian's coverage of a larger area in downtown Port-au-Prince with limited vehicl assets. The order did not amend operational plns for the Brazilian battalion. The Brazilian's remain under instructions to return fire with dealy force if fired upon (reftel A). ¶2. (C) Accoring to DAO Port-au-Prince and civilian MINUSTAH taff, the Brazilians will not intensify military oerations in Cite Soleil until mission leadership nd the Preval administration agree on an integraed plan coupling intensive operations with socia reintegration and peace programs. That being said, MINUSTAH force commander General Elito has told Ambassador he believes it is time for his forces to enter the area. SANDERSON