Ericq Pierre (2006 file photo)

The Haitian Senate has approved President Rene Preval's choice of Ericq Pierre to become the Caribbean country's next prime minister.

Lawmakers voted Wednesday to approve Mr. Pierre's appointment, which must still be approved by the Chamber of Deputies.

Last month, legislators dismissed Prime Minister Jacques Edouard Alexis to quell violent protests over rising food prices in the impoverished nation. The legislators said Mr. Alexis had not done enough to improve the economy or keep soaring food prices under control.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and has a history of political violence.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.