2.7 billion Euros for the Reconstruction of Haiti

Oita Godo Newspaper (2010/2/18)

[Port au Prince] Sarkozy President of France, on 17th, visited the earthquake-stricken Haiti. France is the former colonial power in Haiti. After the Haitian independence in 1804, this is the first visit of French president to Haiti. The president expressed that France would provide Haiti 2.7 billion Euros (approximately 33.6 billion yen) for 2 years as a reconstruction assistance. Reuters Reported.

Before the Second World War, Haiti was occupied by the United States for approximately 20 years long hence the politics and the economy were also under the strong influence of the States. Concerning the occurrence of the earthquake, although French government quickly dispatched rescue units, voices from the Haitian side said they expected more help from the former colonizing country. France should have fully indicated the presence of the former colonial power than now. 

According to Associated Press (AP), after the earthquake, France has exempted Haiti's debt for as many as 56 million Euros.

Comment: I am very sorry for Haiti about the earthquake but inside that, I am also glad to see international cooperation to help Haiti actively. Even though the help cannot take everything back from the disaster, it at least eases the pain of the people. Thank you French government for the debt exemption, too. And in my opinion, France has done its best to rescue Haiti and may be the best one among other rescuing teams.

 
PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

APS4