UN chief concerned over resignation of Haiti PM

"This resignation comes at a time when the Haitian people are eager to embark decisively on the path towards reconstruction, economic growth and the strengthening of the country's rule of law institutions," Ban said in a statement.

Conille, a former senior United Nations diplomat, on Friday submitted a letter of resignation to President Michel Martelly, Haitian press reported, adding that he was stepping down amid growing confrontation between Martelly's government and the opposition-held legislature.

"The secretary-general urges the Haitian authorities to act in the interests of the Haitian people and appoint a new prime minister as soon as possible," the statement said.

Conille was appointed prime minister last September after the Haitian authorities searched for a suitable candidate for more than six months.

His resignation came just hours after the United Nations peace keeping mission in Haiti, known as MINUSTAH, published a report saying that political stability was deteriorating in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere.

Both Haiti's Congress and Senate are dominated by the opposition and a heated media campaign recently erupted over whether Martelly and many of his top cabinet ministers hold foreign passports, which would disqualify them from holding high offices.