United Nations Radio

The head of the United Nations mission in Haiti says the country is facing challenges and hope after the devastation caused by four hurricanes.

Hedi Annabi told reporters in New York that responding to the hurricane has helped unblock a five month political standoff since the fall of the government in April.

He says that since the new government was confirmed on 5 September, the executive and legislature have worked together to adopt emergency legislation to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the country.

"The government is also reaching out. President Preval himself has visited Gonaives. The Prime Minister has also undertaken a number of trips to various parts of the country with some of the parliamentarians and they have worked together to try and provide relief to the population."

Hedi Annabi says there is also solidarity shown by civil society and the private sector who are working with the government to raise funds to respond to the situation created by hurricanes.

He calls on the international community to help the new government in Haiti to provide basic needs of its people and the work of reconstruction.