By Joseph Guyler Delva

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Aug 1 (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon vowed on Wednesday that there will be no quick withdrawal of U.N. peacekeepers in Haiti, who have helped stabilize the deeply impoverished country for the first time in years.

Speaking during his first visit to Haiti since becoming leader of the world body, Ban said he would recommend a 12-month extension of the mission of the nearly 9,000-strong, Brazilian-led peacekeeping force when its mandate comes up for renewal before the U.N. Security Council in October.

The peacekeepers were dispatched to Haiti in 2004 after a revolt that toppled former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. They have only recently brought relative calm to a country torn by violent gangs, killings sparked by turf wars in teeming slums and a rash of kidnappings.

"The United Nations, which has been in your country five times in the past, will not leave until the future is secure," said Ban, who spoke at a news conference with President Rene Preval, a former Aristide protege and head of the country's fledgling elected government.

"The U.N. mission is here to create the necessary conditions for Haitian authorities and international donors to implement a national strategy for the poorest urban areas," Ban said.

He urged Preval to continue efforts aimed at fighting corruption, which he described as barrier to progress.

"This is a very serious matter," Ban said. "Corruption undermines institutions and weakens individuals."

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