Obama reiterates U.S. support of Haiti

President Obama told the president of Haiti the U.S. will be a "steady and reliable partner" as the nation rebuilds.

President Barack Obama told the president of Haiti on Wednesday that the United States will be a "steady and reliable partner" as the nation rebuilds from the catastrophic earthquake that struck in January.

Appearing with Haitian President Rene Garcia Preval in the White House Rose Garden, Obama lauded the contributions of non-governmental organizations and U.S. service members for their efforts in assisting Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Obama warned that with the Haitian rainy season under way, "The challenge now is to prevent a second disaster.

"The situation on the ground remains dire, and people should be under no illusions that the crisis is over," Obama said.

The president hailed the crowd of aid workers for their efforts, saying they "represent what's best in America."

"I could not be prouder of the response that all you were engaged in during this humanitarian crisis," Obama said.

The president again expressed condolences to the Haitian people for the significant loss of life and damage from "one of the most devastating natural disasters ever to strike our hemisphere."

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