Brazil even more commited with Haiti. President Lula in Port-au-Prince.

"Haiti needs the forgiveness of his debt to rebuild the country"

President Lula called on creditor nations to forgive Haiti debt which reaches US$ 1.3 billion. That would be - according to Lula - a way to allow the Haitian government to take the money that would be to pay off the debt and apply on the reconstruction of the country. Lula defended the measure in a speech made on Thursday (Feb 25) in Port-au-Prince after signing of three acts - the construction of water reservoirs, food production and improvement of public schools network - together with the President of Haiti H.E. René Préval.

Lula recalled that earlier in this week, during the summit meetings held in Cancun, Mexico, he could witness the willingness of the Countries to help the Haitian people. Just before, at the meeting of {UNASUR} the Member Countries discussed the donation of over $ 100 million for the Haitian government. Lula stressed by several times that the aid to Haiti should be done following the needs defined by the local authorities.

Shoe vendor on a street in Port-au-Prince, capital of Haiti. Lula advocates debt relief for Haiti that the country can invest in its rebuilding.
Photo: Roberto Cordeiro / Blog do Planalto

The Brazilian president flew over the capital accompanied by Haitian President Préval. According to Lula, one of the priorities is the removal of rubble in towns and the lifting up of 50 to 60 modern tents per location in order to gather the families. Préval explained about his will on importing tractors and machinery from the Dominican Republic and the United States for the task force. According to the Haitian president, the machinery at the capital should be moved to the countryside.

"If Brazil has already built a very strong policy compromised on Haiti's close future, after seeing with my own eyes what happens to Haiti, we will do very much more. Things are even much more serious than we imagined. In this moment of pain and despair is exactly when we need to raise our heads and believe that Haiti will come out stronger of all this. A people that always have kept the dignity to fight. The first country to build Liberty in this Hemisphere will not bow to this setback. Men and women of Haiti will know with much more strength to build a fairer country for their own people, "he said.

Source: Presidential Palace (Planalto) Blog,