EU welcomes Haiti deal, urges 'fair and open' poll

(BRUSSELS) - The EU told Haiti's fractious political leaders on Monday to forget their differences and ensure "fair and open" elections, five years after a devastating earthquake hit one of the world's poorest countries.

Haiti President Michel Martelly and some 20 political leaders announced a last-minute deal on Sunday to hold elections by the end of this year, ending a destabilising stand-off.

"Yesterday's agreement is a welcome step and all signatories must now ensure a rapid effective implementation," the European Commission said.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini added in a statement: "Haiti needs steady and effective government and constructive opposition, rising above partisan differences, to steer the nation towards sustainable development.

"I therefore expect all political actors in Haiti to assume their responsibility for stability and progress. Priority should also be given to legislative renewal through fair and open elections as soon as possible."

She noted that the EU had been at the forefront of a massive international aid effort to help Haiti recover from the Jan 12, 2010 earthquake which killed some 300,000 people and reduced what infrastructure the impoverished country had to rubble.

Political instability "could reverse the gains of recent years," Mogherini warned.

Fresh elections in Haiti have been postponed several times, with the opposition accusing Martelly of wanting to rule by decree after parliament's current mandate expired on Monday.

Martelly in turned said the opposition was blocking an electoral law that would allow a vote.