Ministerial preparatory conference on quake-ravaged Haiti ends with road map

MONTREAL, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Ministerial Preparatory Conference on Haiti was concluded on Monday afternoon in Montreal, Canada, as the Group of Friends of Haiti, major donors and regional and multilateral partners passed a statement, stressing international cooperation and coordination in rebuilding the earthquake-ravaged country in the long term.

The picture taken on Jan. 18, 2010 shows some of the devastated buildings  in Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. Haiti was rocked by a massive earthquake  on Jan. 12, 2010, devastating the city and leaving thousands dead.(Xinhua Photo)

A chairman statement said that another technical conference will be held in March at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York to coordinate the international efforts.

Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon, who chaired the conference, stressed at a press conference, joined by his counterparts, that Haiti will play a leading role in the reconstruction with the supports by the international community.

Participants stressed that the current situation remains dire in Haiti, that the needs are immense and that the Haitian people continue to suffer.

"We resolved to remain swift and steadfast in our support. We will continue to urgently respond to pressing requirements in the most affected areas," the statement said.

Participants recognized the continued leadership and sovereignty of the government of Haiti, reiterating the commitment to undertake a coordinated, coherent and comprehensive approach to meet Haiti's immediate and longer-term needs.

"Under the leadership of the government of Haiti, and with a key coordination role by the United Nations, we will coordinate our efforts with national, international and regional organizations of the Americas, international financial institutions and a broad range of partners, to the benefit of the Haitian people," the participants pledged.

The participants held that an initial 10-year commitment is essential as is a concerted effort to rebuild Haiti's capacity. " Sustainable development, including environmental sustainability, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness, will be a cornerstone of our joint approach."

They highlighted the following longer-term strategic objectives: strengthened democratic governance, sustained social and economic development, and enduring stability and respect for the rule of law.