Brussels, 21/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - Haiti is getting back on its feet and now needs direct investment. That was the message - accompanied by his thanks - that Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly delivered to the European Parliament on 20 November. He was speaking in Strasbourg, after meetings in Brussels with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso (see EUROPE 10733). Acknowledging the aid already provided to his country that was devastated by the earthquake of 2010 and two cyclones, Martelly said that further assistance was needed: “No country can recover from poverty by simple handouts and charity. Surely we still need your help. But we also need productive work, trade and direct investment”. (AN/transl.fl)