World Bank won't forgive Haiti debt

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick has expressed strong support for Haiti's efforts to overcome poverty and recover from recent natural disasters.

"The Haitian Government and all donors need to push forward on the broader development agenda, work together on recovery and reconstruction efforts, and foster a new vision for medium-term growth and development, drawing on Haiti's own National Strategy for Growth and Poverty Reduction," said Zoellick.

The bank president was in Haiti for a three-day tour of the battered Caribbean nation where almost 800 people were killed in recent hurricanes and flooding, Haitian radio reported Thursday.