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Acknowledgements On 12 January 2010 the international community received news of a devastating earthquake that struck outside of Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince. Estimated to be a magnitude 7 earthquake, it caused the deaths of numerous Haitians, international aid workers, and the destruction of much of Haiti’s fragile infrastructure. Many close friends died in this earthquake, and my thoughts go out to them. This book is dedicated in their honour. One of those who was lost is my dear friend Andrea Loi. She was an intelligent woman who dedicated herself to helping to rebuild the country.My thanks go out to Andrea for her valuable friendship. She was a great representative of our country, Chile, and I am thankful for her unwavering support during the hard moments of my time in Haiti. I must also honour my friend Gerard Le Chevallier, a strong and enthusiastic person who was tasked with managing the electoral process that I detail in this book. Heddi Annabi, the special representative of the Secretary General of the UN, has also been lost. The last time we spoke, we discussed what we could do to help the situation in Haiti. To everyone who has been affected by this tragedy, my feelings of grief go out to you. This earthquake, though, is both a chance to mourn the devastation that has been brought to the country and to also reflect on Haiti’s future. Considering the pain caused by the earthquake, this will be no small feat. The immediate task is to respond to the crisis; we must then deal with its legacy. My hope is that the international community comes together and manages the crisis by coordinating its aid so that it addresses the problems of Haiti without contributing to them. Success in Haiti will be achieved only if order is established. This will be facilitated through international funding and assistance that helps to rebuild the country and stabilize the country’s political situation. Those who know the country, worry about its history of violence and hope that it does not return. I am afraid that it could return if the Haitian people do not feel that there is a timely solution to their most basic needs. As I have attempted to show in this book, it is important that the redevelopment of the country creates solid institutions, sustainable development, and the conditions necessary for improving the condition of the Haitian people. xv xvi A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S Perhaps now more than ever, Haiti is a country that has many problems, yet it also has much potential. The earthquake tragedy highlights the need to revise the role of MINUSTAH , establish the Haitian government, and develop the country’s economy. The role of the international community in this is essential. It would be inexcusable not to use this moment as an opportunity to assist the country in its long-term development. Five UN missions have preceded MINUSTAH, and various countries have had a presence in Haiti. Unfortunately, these efforts have not led to the creation of the solid and stable institutions the country needs. The first successful democratic election held in Haiti in recent memory is a significant milestones in the country’s history. The event could not have happened without the hard work of the Haitian people and the international community. Their determination, enthusiasm, sacrifice, and bravery have been immeasurable. The election demonstrates that the international community ’s efforts in Haiti can lead to tangible results. In the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, we must not forget those who have given their lives to help Haiti. Specifically, I wish to acknowledge the sacrifices of the twelve UN soldiers who lost their lives during the Haiti mission, prior to 2010, and to the more than sixty Blue Helmets who were injured between July 2004 and September 2006, the month my mission as Deputy Commander of MINUSTAH ended. Everyone who has worn the blue helmet of the UN should feel proud to have contributed to the cause. The sacrifices made by those who worked in Haiti must not be in vain. Special thanks are due to General Urano Bacellar. During his time as Force Commander he demonstrated great professionalism and humanity. He was succeeded by another remarkable commander, General Elito Siqueira. I also wish to thank Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Díaz Dogwood, noncommissioned Officer Alex Leiva, and my team of advisors, who were a...

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