Mr. President,

I wish to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mariano Fernández for his briefing.

With support and help from the international community, Haiti has recently been actively carrying out post-disaster reconstruction, taking forward the political process, scaling up its national security and building institutions, showing considerable progress - which deserves our recognition. We also note that Haiti is still faced with grave challenges ahead in maintaining stability and promoting development - calling for greater efforts on the part both of Haiti and the international community. I wish to underscore the following points.

First, political reconciliation is the key to the maintenance of peace and stability in Haiti. China is concerned by the current political situation in Haiti. We hope that the parties will seize the opportunity, strengthen unity, enhance mutual trust, settle disputes through consultations, form a new Government as soon as possible and consolidate the hard-won gains.

Secondly, post-disaster reconstruction and development is the central task for Haiti. At present, recovery and reconstruction is slow. Problems such as poverty, unemployment, a weakened education system and poor infrastructure are so acute that they warrant great attention. The Haitian Government needs to be better able to bear the primary responsibility for development, improve governance, attract investment and create job opportunities. It is also our hope that the international community will fulfil its assistance commitments, improve the efficacy of its aid and provide constructive support to Haiti for its reconstruction and development.

Thirdly, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) is playing a significant role in maintaining peace and stability in Haiti. China thanks Special Representative Fernádez and MINUSTAH for their efforts and their contribution to the maintenance of security and stability in Haiti, and it hopes that MINUSTAH will actively implement its Security Council mandate and complete its drawdown as scheduled, while continuing to assist in maintaining security and stability, taking forward the political process and strengthening the rule of law and institution-building.

Thank you, Mr. President.