UN honors victims of Haiti earthquake

The United Nations has observed a minute of silence to honor the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Tuesday's ceremony was held at 4:53 PM to mark the time the magnitude-7 quake struck a week ago.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon laid a wreath in honor of the victims. A minute of silence was also held throughout the UN system.

The ceremony in the meditation room of the General Assembly lobby was attended by the leadership and staff. Later, a candlelight vigil was held in the plaza north of the UN compound.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (Front C) holds a candle during a vigil mourning Haitian earthquake victims at UN Headquarters in New York Jan. 19, 2010. (Xinhua)