MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazil sends peace keeping contingent to Haiti

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva saw off this Monday 150 Brazilian servicemen who will be part of the new United Nations multilateral peacekeeping force in Haiti

"The international community recognized our country's ability to contribute to world peace", said President Lula addressing the peace keeping contingent that left in two Hercules transports from Brasilia Air base. Before takeoff Mr. Lula shook hands with each of the 150 servicemen.

The soldiers will join another 42 troops who arrived in Haiti last Saturday, the first Brazilian military to land there.

The Brazilian Haiti contingent will grow to an estimated 1,200 soldiers before June 24 and will integrate with the 6,700-strong UN peacekeeping force scheduled to replace the 3,600 soldiers from the United States, France, Canada and Chile that have been in Haiti since March.

The UN multilateral force will be responsible for maintaining law and order in a nation that went through a violent political crisis culminating with the controversial resignation of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, currently exiled n South Africa.

Both Argentina, pending Congressional approval, Chile as well as Uruguay and Paraguay have confirmed their participation in the mission that will remain in Haiti for at least six months.

The Brazilian contingent will be made up of a marine infantry division, a motorized infantry division, a mechanized cavalry squadron and two Engineers units. Duties include protecting Haitian authorities, helping with the electoral process and humanitarian activities.

Mr. Lula da Silva met the troops after arriving from a week long trip to China which he described as "a total success".

"The Chinese government is interested in making Brazil a strategic partner and so do we" Lula said on his radio program "Breakfast with the President".

"When both governments have the same goal, it's easier to work with business leaders and convince them to associate" added Mr. Lula da Silva insisting that our goal is "not just a trade policy, we also want an investment policy".

President Lula da Silva, whose constant travel has been criticized by opponents, said this had been his most successful trip to date.

"Brazil is taking important steps toward increasing its economic growth and productive capacity and further improving its trade balance," the president added.

The Brazilian delegation to China included several ministers, top officials and an estimated four hundred businessmen.