PORT-AU-PRINCE: The UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Marie Guehenno, on Sunday called on Haitis political leaders to hammer out a speedy consensus to end a crisis that has gripped the nation for months.

A quick way out of the political crisis is needed. Its essential that Haiti get a new government, Guehenno said at the end of a 48-hours visit here. There are urgent problems that need attention. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, has been without a prime minister since Jacques-Edouard Alexis resigned in April after a no-confidence vote following food riots that killed six people and wounded 200.

UN peacekeepers were called in to help restore order. Guehenno said he met Haitis top leaders on his visit, including President Rene Preval. geo tv