ARTICLE - CHINA URGES HAITI TO SPEED UP

CHINA URGES HAITI TO SPEED UP RECONSTRUCTION, PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT
(Xinhua) -

UNITED NATIONS - Li Baodong, Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations said here Thursday that China urges the government of Haiti to speed up reconstruction and promote development.

Li made the remarks while addressing an open meeting of the Security Council on the issue of Haiti. He noted that speeding up post-conflict reconstruction and promoting development is the central task for Haiti.

"At present, recovery and reconstruction work is slow. The government of Haiti needs to be better able to bear the primary responsibility for governance, attract investments and create job opportunities," he said. "It is our hope that the international community could fulfill the contribution commitment, improve aid efficiency, and provide constructive support to Haiti for its reconstruction and development."

Li also stressed that political reconciliation is the key for the maintenance of peace and stability in Haiti. "China is concerned with the current political situation in Haiti. We hope the relevant parties will seize the opportunity, strengthen unity, enhance mutual trust, settle disputes through consultations, form a new government as soon as possible, and consolidate the hard-won gains," he said.

Furthermore, China appreciates the efforts and contributions made by Mariano Fernandez, special representative of the Secretary-General on Haiti, and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for maintaining safety and stability in Haiti, and hopes that the MINUSTAH will actively implement the Security Council mandate, take forward the political process in Haiti, and enhance the rule of law and government capacity building, the ambassador said.