Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the earthquake in Haiti

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations 

New York, NY

January 13, 2010

FOR IMMDIATE RELEASE

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of yesterday's devastating earthquake in Haiti.

I spoke with Secretary General Ban last night and twice this morning to coordinate efforts. I let him know that Haiti and MINUSTAH have the full support of the United States government to provide search, rescue and recovery assistance, as we also undertake efforts to assist U.S. personnel and citizens in the country.

UN peacekeepers and relief workers have been in Haiti for years to help rebuild the country from conflict, as well as destruction from natural disasters. As I witnessed when I was in Haiti last year, the people of Haiti were on a determined path to recovery. This was, in part, made possible by the hard work of the dedicated people of MINUSTAH and other UN agencies, many of whom are among the unaccounted for today.

The United States stands with the people of Haiti and with the United Nations and will support both critical immediate response and long-term recovery efforts.

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