SANTIAGO, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Chilean Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley on Monday said that the situation in Haiti is still fragile, therefore Chile will continue the solidarity efforts it has been carrying out in that Caribbean country.

"Haiti's situation is still very fragile," and Chile "will not abandon" the solidarity efforts it has been carrying out in Haiti, said Foxley after meeting with Hedi Annabi, head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.

Foxley discussed Haiti's situation and the forthcoming phases with Annabi, saying food-price hikes and food shortages in Haiti have triggered citizen protests.

"The main message is that the situation in Haiti is still fragile, from the political, institutional and social viewpoint," Foxely told the press.

He underscored that Chile will remain in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, in which eight other Latin American countries participate, with 500 soldiers and some 20 policemen.

On April 29, the Chilean government asked the Senate to prolong the stay of Chilean troops in Haiti by one more year.

The bill will be discussed on Tuesday by the Senate for a final vote.
Chilean soldiers are currently authorized to stay in Haiti until late May. If the extension of their stay is approved for one more year, they will be able to remain until June 1, 2009.