The United Nations mission in Haiti has deplored yesterday's acts of violence against local and UN security forces during demonstrations in the cities of Cap-Haitien and Hinche, saying the riots, which resulted in several injuries, were politically motivated.

Haiti cholera outbreak

"The way the events unfolded suggests that these incidents were politically motivated, aimed at creating a climate of insecurity on the eve of elections," the mission, known as MINUSTAH, said in a statement.

"MINUSTAH calls the people to remain vigilant and not be manipulated by enemies of stability and democracy in the country," the mission added.

Those wounded included six MINUSTAH personnel in Hinche. At Quartier Morin in the northern department, armed demonstrators opened fire on peacekeepers, the mission said. One of the demonstrators was killed when he was hit by a bullet fired by a UN peacekeeper, who shot back in self-defense. An investigation is under way to determine the exact circumstances of the death.

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"MINUSTAH reiterates its firm commitment to supporting the Haitian National Police in maintaining order and security in the country to ensure the continuation of the electoral process and reconstruction in Haiti," the statement added.

The elections are scheduled for 28 November. The Caribbean country is still reeling from January's quake, which killed an estimated 200,000 people and displaced about 1.3 million others. In addition, a recent cholera outbreak has made over 12,000 Haitians ill and claimed the lives of an estimated 900 people.