FOG BLOG CANADA NEWS LOG: U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE , ANTONY BLINKEN IN OTTAWA TO MEET WITH P.M. ETC.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Canada today to address crisis in Haiti The Americans want to establish an 'international stabilization force' for Haiti U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Canada today to meet with senior officials about the deteriorating situation in Haiti — a country that is in a state of anarchy as it grapples with marauding gangs, food and fuel shortages, and a resurgence of cholera.

The poorest country in the Americas has been effectively leaderless for more than 15 months after the last president, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated.

Criminal gangs have seized control of some parts of the country, which has further exacerbated the already-acute situation in a country that has faced a series of crises over the last decade.

Haiti's current crop of leaders have called for foreign intervention to restore a semblance of stability.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has said he wants a "specialized armed force" to assist Haitian police in countering anti-government gangs. Gang violence in Haiti kills hundreds of civilians each month.