UNITED NATIONS (CMC):

The United Nations says some of the most notorious armed gangs in Haiti are handing over their weapons following a UN-backed crackdown on crime in Cit? Soleil - one of the violence-ridden country's most dangerous areas. In recent days, it said the armed gang leader in the B?l?kou quarter, Amaral Duclona, handed over to the National Disarmament, Dismantlement and Reintegration Commission 16 automatic weapons and 2,000 cartridges of all calibres.

In addition, Claude Jeune, a member of the gang led by the notorious Evens Jeune, who was himself captured earlier this month, surrendered nine automatic weapons and munitions, the statement said.

Last Monday, the armed group close to Jean Edy, alias Blade, in the Brooklyn quarter, handed over 13 powerful weapons and 1,000 cartridges, the UN Stabilisation Mission in Haiti said.