At the conclusion of successful UN/OAS-brokered negotiations, exiled President Aristide and Lieutenant-General Cedras signed the Governor's Island Agreement on July 3, 1993. Under the Governor's Island Agreement, the United Nations would assist in the modernization of the Haitian armed forces and in the establishment of a new police force. On September 23rd, the Security Council adopted resolution 867 which authorized the establishment and immediate deployment of the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH). Its initial composition consisted of 700 military construction personnel and 567 civilian police personnel. However, the Governor's Island agreement was not implemented by Cedras. UNMIH was unable to fully deploy in October when Haitian street thugs prevented the landing of the troopship U.S.S. Harlan County in Port au Prince. In addition, a joint UN/OAS International Civilian Mission (MICIVIH) was also evacuated from Haiti.
On July 31, 1994, the Security Council adopted resolution 940 which authorized the use of force by member states to facilitate the return of President Aristide. Since Cedras still refused to step down, the US readied itself to invade Haiti. However, on the evening before the invasion would commence, the US and Haiti's leaders reached an agreement. On September 19th, the lead elements of the 28 nation Multinational Force in Haiti, led by US troops, landed in Haiti without opposition. The departure of the country's military leadership on October 15th enabled President Aristide to return to Haiti, ending three years of forced exile.
In accordance with Security Council resolution 940, UNMIH assisted the Haitian authorities in maintaining a secure and stable environment, protected international personnel and key installations and helped create a new police force. UNMIH also assisted in creating an environment conducive to holding free elections. A small team of UN electoral experts assisted the local authorities in preparing the electoral process. This culminated in presidential elections on December 17, 1995. The new president, Rene Preval, was inaugurated on February 7, 1996. Having successfully completed its mission, UNMIH drew to a close on June 30, 1996.
On June 28, 1996, the Security Council established the United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH) pursuant to resolution 1063. The goal of UNSMIH is to assist Haiti in its gradual transition to democracy and to provide a stable environment. In doing so, it follows the work of the Multinational Force in Haiti and UNMIH. The Security Council determined that UNSMIH would be composed of 300 civilian policy personnel and 600 troops. The mandate of this new UN mission will be concluded once the security situation in Haiti improves and the Haitian National Police are capable of protecting the populace.
