UNITED NATIONS, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The following were the quotable quotes from an open debate of the UN Security Council on Haiti held here Wednesday:
"The period under review has been a challenging one for Haiti, both at the political level and for the people of Haiti. The annual economic growth rate fell well below forecast levels. High unemployment rates were compounded by two severe tropical storms and regional droughts that exacerbated the high levels of food insecurity facing many households. Agricultural production was particularly hard-hit." -- Nigel Fisher, the acting special representative of the UN secretary-general and interim head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.
"Today's debate should underscore the challenge of addressing the humanitarian situation in Haiti. The ongoing cholera epidemic, food insecurity and extreme vulnerability to natural disasters augment the humanitarian challenge." -- Mashood Khan, the Pakistani permanent representative to the United Nations.
"Let us not forget, however, that economic growth with job creation and social inclusion is an absolutely essential dimension of stability in Haiti, the first priority, which must continue to guide the international approach to the situation in Haiti." -- Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, the Brazilian permanent representative to the United Nations.
"The government of Haiti repeatedly asserts that Haiti is open for business. Canada welcomes this spirit, and we recognize that maximizing this intent and achieving concrete outcomes will require a series of actions." -- Guillermo Rishchynski, the Canadian permanent representative to the United Nations.
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