RIO DE JANEIRO, July 14 (UPI) -- Brazil's president made a public appeal for the free world to provide Haiti with economic assistance so the U.N. mission there does not fail.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ask for the world's help during his visit to Paris, where he is meeting with leaders and promoting trade opportunities with South America's largest country and economy, O Globo reported Thursday.
Brazil leads the 7,500-troop U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
The forces however have encountered difficulties trying to bring security and stability to the troubled Caribbean nation, where supporters of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide clash with peacekeepers.
Hundreds of armed Aristide supporters have been killed in recent months.
The former president left the country last year as armed rebels were taking over Haiti calling for his resignation.
Haiti is scheduled to have elections later this year.
