Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit, whose country holds the presidency of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), affirmed on Wednesday that the movement conveys its full solidarity and assistance to the government and people of quake-hit Haiti to overcome the crisis.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, Abul Gheit expressed his shock and sorrow at the loss of lives and the extent of damage inflicted by the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday.

He also expressed his confidence that the international community, the United Nations (UN) and other international and regional organizations would launch a concerted global response to provide the humanitarian assistance in the immediate aftermath of the quake as well as to assist Haiti with its longer-term recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Abul Gheit praised the rapid response of UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in support of recovery efforts already underway, expressing his concern about reports that UN personnel are among those who lost their lives as a result of the quake.

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, causing massive damage in its capital Port-au-Prince, which was just 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the epicenter.

Thousands of people were feared killed and countless buildings collapsed in the densely populated capital city. But authorities were unable to assess the total casualties and damage due to the post-quake chaos.

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2010)