January 18, 2010

(Photograph by Bai Jie/Xinhua News Agency)

The following Security Council press statement was read out by Council President Zhang Yesui (China) today, 18 January: 

The members of the Council were briefed by the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, on his visit to Haiti and his latest assessment of the situation there.

The members of the Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the Government and people of Haiti, and reaffirmed their strong support.

The members of the Council extend their deepest condolences to the families of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hédi Annabi, Principal Deputy Special Representative Luiz Carlos da Costa, Acting United Nations Police Commissioner in Haiti Doug Coates, and all other members of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and other United Nations and international organizations who gave their lives for the highest ideals of the United Nations. They also convey their deepest sympathy to the Secretary-General and the United Nations family for their tragic loss.

The members of the Council recognize the significant contributions of those who have fallen and express their sincere gratitude for the ongoing dedication of the staff, troops and police of MINUSTAH, who work tirelessly for peace and stability in Haiti.

The members of the Council expressed their support to the proposal of the Secretary-General to increase the overall level of MINUSTAH to support the immediate recovery and stability efforts.

The members of the Council are working on a rapid response to the proposal of the Secretary-General, and will follow the situation in Haiti closely.