New peacekeeping head for Haiti

UN peacekeepers have struggled to restore order in Haiti

A Brazilian general is to head the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti following the suicide of Gen Urano Teixeira da Matta Bacellar.

Gen Jose Elito Carvalho de Siqueira was offered the role after meeting UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the Brazilian government said on Tuesday.

The appointment comes amid continuing violence in Haiti, which is preparing for much-delayed elections in February.

On Wednesday, two peacekeepers were killed at a checkpoint in the capital.

Postponements

Gen de Siqueira, 59, has been commanding the Brazilian army's 6th Military Region in the north-eastern city of Salvador.

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He will take charge of peacekeeping troops sent to help restore democracy after President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was overthrown in 2004.

The UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti currently comprises more than 9,000 troops and police from more than 40 nations.

A statement from the Brazilian government said Mr Annan's decision confirmed the UN's recognition of Brazil's contribution to the mission in Haiti.

Peacekeepers are trying to improve the security situation before the 7 February presidential and parliamentary elections.

The polls, originally set for November, have been postponed four times because of security and organisational issues.