Kathmandu, January 31:

A contingent of 350 additional UN peacekeeping soldiers from Nepal reached Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, this week, stated a press release issued by the UN Stabilisation Mission in Haiti today.

The troops are expected to be deployed there by early March. The press release stated that the light infantry battalion will be used for operations in Port-au-Prince as part of the UN plan to intensify efforts against criminal gangs operating in the capital city. It said Force Commander Maj Gen Carols Alberto Dos Santos Cruz announced the plans for the additional battalion. “The Nepalis have a great reputation as disciplined and professional soldiers,” the press release quoted Cruz as saying.