Obama pledges U.S. support for Haiti in the ‘many difficult days ahead’

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With President Obama and two of his predecessors at work on relief for victims of the earthquake in Haiti, the president today pledged unrelenting U.S. support during the ‘many difficult days ahead.’’

At the White House, Obama offered public remarks for third time in as many days on the U.S. commitment to aiding the earthquake victims. He also spoke with Haitian President Rene Preval by telephone and personally pledged continuing support.

“I expressed to President Preval my deepest condolences for the people of Haiti,’’ Obama said, noting that the National Palace in Port-au-Prince had collapsed in the earthquake, as had so many other homes.
“The scale of devastation is extraordinary,’’ Obama said. “The losses are heartbreaking.’

On Saturday, Obama plans to meet with former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton at the White House. Bush is assisting in fundraising for the relief effort, and Clinton is aiding that effort and working in his role as special United Nations envoy to Haiti.

With the U.S. promising $100 million in aid, the Pentagon said today that 3,000 U.S. soldiers and 2,000 Marines will be on the ground in Haiti by the weekend, supported by as many as 5,000 sailors at sea. The U.S. aircraft carrier Carl Vinson arrived off Haiti this morning, with helicopters preparing to move water, food and other supplies into Haiti.

Obama said support is arriving from several other nations too. “The entire world stands with the people and government of Haiti, for in Haiti’s devastation we all see the common humanity that we share,’’ the president said. “Haitians are our neighbors in the Americas, and for Americans they are family and friends.’

“There are going to be many difficult days ahead,’ Obama said, noting that the Haitian port is closed and roads are damaged. “But I want the people of Haiti to know that we will do what it takes to save lives and help people get back on their feet.’

Obama also thanked the American public for donating money: “In this difficult hour, we will continue to provide.’’

-- Mark Silva in Washington