Washington:
Former US presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush on Friday accepted a request from President Barack Obama to raise funds for earthquake victims and relief efforts in Haiti, they said in a statement.
"We are pleased to accept President Obama's request to lead private sector fund-raising efforts," the former presidents said in a joint statement. "In the days and weeks ahead, we will draw attention to the many ways American citizens and businesses can help meet the urgent needs of the Haitian people."
The United States has launched a massive aid operation, including specialists, Coast Guard cutters, helicopters, transport planes and the US Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, along with 2,000 Marines deployed.
The USNS Comfort, a floating military hospital and a team of doctors and medical supplies, was also readying to sail from the US East Coast to Haiti. "Americans have a long history of showing compassion and generosity in the wake of tragedy," the two former presidents said. "We thank the American people for rallying to help our neighbours in the Caribbean in their hour of suffering - and throughout the journey of rebuilding their nation."