Clinton, Bush heading to Haiti on Monday to assess recovery needs

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Clinton and Bush head to Haiti on Monday

UNITED NATIONS — Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, who are spearheading U.S. fundraising for Haiti, will make their first joint visit to the Caribbean nation on Monday to assess the nation’s earthquake recovery needs.

The Jan. 12 quake killed an estimated 230,000 people and left 1.3 million homeless, according to Haiti government figures.

The Clinton Foundation said Thursday that the two presidents and members of the board of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund “will meet with Haitians, the government of Haiti, and others providing assistance to earthquake survivors, with the goal of further establishing long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.”

President Barack Obama asked Clinton and Bush to lead private fundraising efforts for Haitian relief, including immediate needs and the long-term rebuilding effort, after the quake.

According to the fund’s Web site, more than 200,000 people have contributed over $31 million to support Haiti relief efforts.

Clinton has made two trips to Haiti since the earthquake in his role as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s special envoy to the country.

On the Web: www.clintonbushhaitifund.org