JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Former Haitian president Jean Bertrand Aristide, currently exiled in South Africa, wants to return to his home country following a devastating earthquake in Haiti that left tens of thousands dead and injured, the South African Press Association reported on Friday.

"We cannot wait to be with our sisters and brothers in Haiti, we share the anguish of all Haitians in the diaspora who are desperate to reach family and loved ones," Aristide said in Johannesburg on Friday.

"As far as we are concerned we ready to leave today, tomorrow, at any time to join the people of Haiti, to share in their suffering, help rebuild the country, moving from misery to poverty with dignity," he told media at a hotel at OR Tambo international airport.

Aristide did not take questions from reporters and it was not immediately known if he would return to his home country.

South Africa's chief director of public diplomacy, Sol Molubi, said Aristide would not take questions because "the situation is difficult and unbearable for the family." Asked if Aristide, his wife and their two daughters would be returning to Haiti, Molubi said "I don't know at this stage."

"We must remember it's a two way process... he didn't come to South Africa out of choice," Molubi said.

Aristide's wife sat beside him fighting back tears.

The family were exiled in South Africa following Aristide's ousting as president in February 2004.