In first exchange since quake, Obama calls Haiti’s president, pledges full support
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President Obama today pledged the full support of the American people to help Haiti in his first direct communication with Haitian President Rene Preval since Tuesday’s earthquake.
During the 30-minute telephone call this morning, Obama said that Americans would help Haiti with immediate and long-term aid, the White House announced. The president had already pledged $100 million in direct help.
Preval has not spoken with Obama since the quake, though Haiti’s president had discussed the situation with American diplomats in Haiti.
“President Obama underscored his commitment to supporting the government and people of Haiti through his team on the ground,” the White House said.
The White House said “President Preval closed by passing a message to the American people, ‘From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the Haitian people, thank you, thank you, thank you.’”
Here’s the White House announcement on the phone call.
--Michael Muskal
