China calls for intl support for Haiti reconstruction

UNITED NATIONS - Peaceful reconstruction in Haiti remains an arduous task, said a Chinese envoy to the United Nations (UN) Wednesday, calling for continuous support from the international community.

"The Haitian government has been making vigorous efforts in implementing policies on employment, education, environment, energy and the rule of law, and in enhancing its capacity building," said Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, at an open debate on Haiti at the UN Security Council.

While describing the progress in Haiti's reconstruction after the 2010 earthquake as "remarkable", Liu said that Haiti still faced multiple challenges in its political process, economic development and humanitarian situation.

China called on the international community to honor their pledges of aid to Haiti effectively and be actively engaged in its national reconstruction, Liu said, adding that the cholera situation in Haiti remains grim.

"We hope that all relevant Haitian parties would put the interests of the nation and the people first, enhance their dialogues of political consultations, secure proper solutions of disputes ... and further promote the Haitian democratic process and political reconciliation."

The UN should continue to play an important role in Haiti, said Liu. "We welcome the Security Council's recommendation on the continued reconfiguration of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and its extension of mandate for an additional year."

A strong earthquake rocked Haiti on January 12, 2010, killing more than 300,000 people and leveling about 80,000 buildings.