UN wants stabilisation mission contract extended

The United Nations is recommending that the contract of the UN stabilisation mission be extended for another year in Haiti.



The contract of the peacekeepers will expire at the end of October.



UN representative in Haiti Hedi Annabi wants the mission to remain in the impoverished country until October 15 next year, as the country\'s political scene is still fragile.



The mission had reportedly prioritised emergency relief over peacekeeping following the devastation caused by hurricanes in August and subsequent flooding in September.



The United Nations is to vote next week on the recommended extension.



Mr. Annabi said if the extension is approved, the mission would continue peacekeeping initiatives during preparations for senatorial elections, which could take place in the next four to five months.