Taipei Times: The television and Internet images that we have seen show Haiti in utter devastation. Can you tell us what you know of the earthquake and how your country is coping with the disaster?
Mario Chouloute: It is really terrible. The capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, and seven other cities close by have been 95 percent destroyed. It is estimated that 150,000 to 200,000 people have died. The government has already buried 75,000 bodies and we are still digging up more. There are also about 250,000 casualties. The Presidential Office and other 茆overnment buildings collapsed. The president and his family are well, but many people in the foreign ministry were either hurt or killed.
TT: The situation in Haiti has caught international attention. What do you think the international community, especially Taiwan, can do now to help with the relief effort?
PHOTO: JENNY W. HSU, TAIPEI TIMES
Chouloute: Yes, many countries, including Taiwan, have come to help Haiti by sending rescue teams and first-aid teams. But I have to tell you, even with that, the situation is not easy 苑ecause the communication and the transportation system have been destroyed. Taiwan was one of the first countries to send help to Haiti, and for that, I want to thank the government and the people of Taiwan.
At the moment, we urgently need medical support. Besides the high number of casualties, we also lost many doctors because many hospitals collapsed. So any medical support will be highly appreciated. Many people lost legs and arms so they need to have amputations. The doctors we have now need lots of antibiotics, anesthetics and any medicines necessary for surgery.
Also, after eight days, the population is hungry because Port-au-Prince doesn? produce food. All the food used in the capital must come from other cities in the country.
We also need camping gear like tents. Since many hospitals collapsed, doctors are working on the streets because it is too risky to work inside the houses that remain standing.
We also need water-purifying tablets because all of the underground water system in Port-au-Prince was destroyed and water supplies have been cut off.
In the long run, we need help reconstructing the cities such as building houses, but I must say, we are not concerned about that right now because we are focused on the short-term needs.
TT: One of the suggestions on how to help Haiti is to have the country? major creditors, such as Taiwan, cancel Haiti? debts. What is your country? view on this and what kind of commitment has Taiwan made in this regard?
Chouloute: Many countries support this proposal and the international community still needs to discuss it with the International Monetary Fund. [Debt cancelation] would be a very good thing for us because we have to pay so high an amount of money each year and the burden is very heavy. I don? have information [as to] how much the debt is to Taiwan but if Taiwan is willing to cancel, whether it is a lot or little, it would be very helpful and important to us. Taiwan has been our ally for over 50 years and we enjoy a very strong relationship and the ties will only be stronger in the future.
TT: What are some of the things that the Taiwanese public can do to help the people of Haiti in the relief effort?
Chouloute: We need everything and anything. People can donate money or goods. But if they cannot provide these things, we need prayers. Prayers are essential. When we do our best, God will provide for us. Even though it is a very difficult time right now, the Haitian people will keep praying. The situation will change for the better, I think. I can feel that.
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