President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says the Brazilian-led UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) is "overloaded" and cannot "take care of everything."

Lula made the remark during a telephone conversation with U.S. President Barack Obama, who called for joint efforts in humanitarian aid to the quake-ruined Haiti, especially the distribution of food and water.

Lula said coordination was required between countries so that MINUSTAH could "meet its responsibilities."

Obama proposed the United States, Brazil and Canada "should lead and coordinate efforts by the international community of Haiti donors and other parties."

Brazil now has 1,266 soldiers in Haiti, and the number could double, according to the Brazilian Army.

So far, 19 Brazilians, including 17 soldiers, have been confirmed dead in the massive earthquake that hit Haiti on Jan. 12.

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