Laurent Saint-Cyr tells UN the country is ‘at war’ with gangs

Laurent Saint-Cyr, told the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday that his country is “at war” with gangs and hunger, urging immediate global intervention to prevent further catastrophe.

“Just a four-hour plane ride from here, a human tragedy is unfolding,” The head of Haiti's presidential council said in New York.

 “Every day, innocent lives are extinguished. Entire neighborhoods are disappearing.”

“This is a war between criminals who want to impose violence as a social order and an armed population fighting for human dignity and freedom,” Saint-Cyr said.

The United States and Panama have urged the U.N. Security Council to authorize a new 5,550-member multinational force.

Saint-Cyr backed the proposal, saying: “It is crucial to mobilize a strong force with a clear mandate and with adequate material, logistical and financial resources.”