UN General Secretary Kofi Annan (L) speaks with Haitian President Rene Preval (R) 3 August 2006 at the presidential palace in Port-au-Prince. AFP PHOTO/Thony BELIZAIRE

In a joint press conference with President Rene Préval before his departure, Annan admitted that the security climate is difficult in Haiti. .

The Haitian President agreed by congratulating the United Nations for their efforts on stabilization in Haiti. Préval referred in particular to the recent elections having allowed the return to constitutional order.

The UN General secretary placed his recent recommendation in favour of an extension of the mandate of the Mission of Stabilization of the United Nations in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for a one year period, instead of six months, within the framework of the initiatives aimed at reinforcing the capacity of the regular security forces to neutralize criminal elements in Haiti.

Préval, whose administration has been in place for two months, also promised to do his best to solve the serious problems which afflict the insecurity of Haitian population.

Confrontations between rival gangs during the last several days resulted in about thirty fatalities in Port-au-Prince, whereas abductions for ransom are increasing.

MINUSTAH has recently been derided by public opinion because of its incapacity to neutralize the armed gangs which plunge the Haitian population into mourning.

"For fifty years, UNO has never solved any problem and has failed everywhere in the world. These men (blue helmets) must go away," alleged a deputy belonging to the Hope Platform, the presidential party, on Wednesday.

In a more measured tone, the president of the Senate, Joseph Lambert, on Wednesday wished that the UN General Secretary had visited some districts of the Haitian capital transformed into "no man's land" to get a right idea of the tragedy of the population and the work of the blue helmets.

Annan assured the Haitian authorities of the full support of the UN within the framework of the initiatives aimed at rebuilding the country.

"We are here to support the projects of the governments of Haiti, not to apply our program," emphasized the secretary-general.

"Together, we achieved creditable goals. But much remains to be done," said Annan, referring here to the need for creating the conditions for the development of Haiti and the reinforcement of its institutions.

The UN general secretary was due to arrive in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, but his trip was deayed following technical problems with the plane which was to transport him to Haiti.