Clinton: Haitian government 'disabled' by earthquake

The Haitian government has been disabled in the short-term by a devastating earthquake that hit there this week, former President Bill Clinton said Friday.

Clinton -- who has been tabbed by President Barack Obama to assist with relief -- said in an interview with Fox News that the instability that ensued the earthquake is even more reason for Americans to help out, not less.

"This earthquake, first of all, disabled the government in the short term," he said. "When this emergency passes, then we know Haiti is going to have to get back on its feet again. And we want to be a part of that."

Obama has promised $100 million in U.S. assistance to the relief effort but some have raised questions about how fast the aid can reach Haiti due to the widespread devastation and already poor infrastructure.

The president also summoned former President George W. Bush to assist with the relief effort. Clinton said the two ex-president will likely step in after the "emergency phase" there has concluded to help with long-term recovery.

The U.S. Air Force has reopened access to the major airport there so it can receive relief supplies such as food, water and medicine. But traveling within the country is still very difficult, according to reports.

Clinton also addressed concerns about corruption in the Haitian government, saying that the administration under President René Préval has been one of the best in the country's history. 

"When I work places, everybody knows I don't tolerate corruption. I'm going to do the best I can to help them," he said. "They want to do this, they want to build a modern society for the first time.

"This is the best situation we've ever had."

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