国内英语新闻:Head of UN mission in Haiti extends gratitude to Chinese police squad

PORT-AU-PRINCE, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Edmund Mulet, head of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), on Saturday extended his gratitude to the Chinese peacekeepers and riot police in the quake-ravaged country.

"I am here to show my respect to the Chinese riot police team and our sincere gratitude for your outstanding performance on behalf of the United Nations," said Mulet during an inspection tour of their campsite.

He noted the United Nations was satisfied with the high efficiency of the eighth contingent of Chinese riot police, which was sent to Haiti for the second time. Though there have been several rotations, their dedication and commitment to the peacekeeping mission remain unchanged.

When they lost eight members in the 7.3-magnitude earthquake, the Chinese squad did everything they can to tackle the challenges and support MINUSTAH's operation. They had won wide acclaim by the local people, he said.

"I feel gratified to work with such an excellent police team like you," Mulet added.

During the inspection, he also watched and spoke highly of the fighting performance of the Chinese police.

Mulet is a Guatemalan diplomat and had previously served as the UN Secretary General's Special Representative to Haiti. He succeeded Hedi Annabi as head of the MINUSTAH after Annabi died in the Haiti earthquake.