Hti: U.S. troops under Brazil's command in Haiti

BRASILIA, April 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Tuesday his country would command the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti only if there was an "effective commitment" from the international community for the "reconstruction" of the Caribbean nation.

    Last month, Brazil said it would send 1,100 troops to contribute to the second phase of the UN operation in Haiti and agreed to command the multinational forces that will also include troops from the United States, Canada, France, Argentina and Chile.

    In a speech at a ceremony in the Itamaraty Palace at the Foreign Ministry, Lula said there were conditions for Brazil to lead the UN peacekeeping forces.

    Lula said Brazil's "offer" to command the troops in Haiti was "conditional on the effective commitment from the international community for the reconstruction of this country."