The government of Italy is ready to write off Haiti's debt of 40 million euros ($57.4 million) as part of its efforts to help the quake-hit country, the Italian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
An earthquake devastated the impoverished Caribbean nation on January 12, with estimates of the number of dead ranging up to 200,000. An estimated three million people have been left without shelter and countries around the world are sending aid.
In July of 2008 Italy wrote off some 12 million euros of Haiti's debt to the European country and currently the remaining debt stands at 40.43 million euros.
Italy also confirmed earlier its immediate contribution of 5.7 million euros ($8.1 million) in aid to Haiti.
"Let's hope other countries follow our example," Italian Secretary of State Vincenzo Scotti said.
The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday unanimously voted in favor of a resolution to increase the peacekeeping contingent in quake-hit Haiti by 1,500 police and 2,000 troops.
ROME, January 20 (RIA Novosti)
