New US-UN accord on Haiti recognizes US military role in support of international aid effort

US, UN sign accord on their formal roles in Haiti

UNITED NATIONS — U.S. officials say a new accord with the United Nations formally gives the American military a supporting role in international relief efforts in Haiti, but keeps them in charge of the Caribbean nation’s airspace, ports and roads.

U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said the two-page agreement signed Friday in Haiti “formalizes the working relationship” and ensures continuing cooperation.

U.S. troops will remain under their own command but American authorities are to set up a task force to support international humanitarian efforts.

Haiti’s police force backed by the 12,650-strong U.N. peacekeeping mission retain primary responsibility for keeping law and order.

Diplomats, aid workers and U.N. officials complained about friction between the U.S. military and United Nations soon after the Jan. 12 earthquake struck.