EU advised Haiti to address political issues for better recovery from earthquake

European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Monday called on Haiti to reach political stability and progress to aim toward better recovery from the catastrophic earthquake five years ago.

Speaking in a statement on the fifth anniversary of the earthquake, Mogherini urged all political actors in Haiti to assume their responsibility and run fair and open elections as soon as possible.

She said the EU had been at the forefront of international humanitarian reconstruction efforts, initially providing shelter, clean water, food and medical care.

"But Haiti remains the poorest country of the Western Hemisphere, and one of the poorest in the world," Mogherini said, noting the uncertainties in the country.

She said Haiti was now suffering another political crisis that could reverse the gains of recent years.

"Haiti needs steady and effective government and constructive opposition, rising above partisan differences, to steer the nation towards sustainable development," Mogherini added. Endit