Seaport reopens in quake-torn Haitian capital
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The seaport in Haiti's capital, which was destroyed by last Tuesday's major earthquake, has been restored to receive limited shipments of aid, the U.S. Army said Thursday.
Some 50 percent of the port's capacity in Port-au-Pince has been restored, enabling U.S. troops to receive fuels there during the weekend, U.S. General Ken Keen said, adding that Toussaint Louverture airport is also in better condition.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy said it has sent another 4,000 sailors and marines to Haiti, which would increase the U.S. troops to a total of 16,000.
The large presence of U.S. troops, which is regarded by some Latin American countries as an invasion, is welcomed and supported by the Haitian government.
Haitian President Rene Preval signed a joint statement with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to allow the operations of U.S. troops to bring stability to and assist reconstruction efforts in the quake-devastated capital.
Besides, the Chilean government announced Thursday it also supported the U.S. decision to increase troops in Haiti, saying it would help bring order to the country.
At the same time, Chile is considering the possibility of sending another batch of firemen to replace those who have been working in Port-au-Prince since last week, said the country's Chief of Staff Andres Avendano.
