Haitian President René Préval is in Washington for talks with the Obama administration on Haiti’s reconstruction following the January earthquake. The Haitian government is finalizing a request for its aid needs ahead of a United Nations donor conference later this month. On Tuesday, Préval said the capital Port-au-Prince would be rebuilt differently.

Haitian President René Préval: “This is an opportunity to not only rebuild Port-au-Prince, but, first and foremost, to invest and to rebuild in the provinces. And of course, the recovery of Haiti will take a long time. Everybody must be aware of that. To rebuild Port-au-Prince as it was before would be a major historical mistake. And that is the message that I’m trying to convey, not only to the Haitians, but also to my international partners.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, said the US is working to assist in Haiti in rescheduling delayed parliamentary elections.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: “I assured President Préval that the United States would work with the international community to hold elections as soon as appropriate. I want to assure you again that the United States and President Obama and our administration remain committed to you. We believe in Haiti’s promise, and we are committed to Haiti’s future.”