Hillary Clinton Says Elections Key to Haiti Stability, Promises U.S. Help

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised that the United States will work with Haiti to hold rescheduled elections as soon as possible, telling President Rene Preval that a national vote will help "ensure the stability" of the earthquake-ravaged country.

Clinton met with Preval Tuesday in Washington to discuss legislative elections, which were postponed after the Jan. 12 earthquake, as well as ongoing relief efforts in Haiti, The Los Angeles Times reported.

"I assured President Preval that the United States would work with the international community to hold elections as soon as appropriate," Clinton told reporters after the meeting.

Preval said he was confident elections would be held before he leaves office Feb. 11, 2011, to ensure a smooth transition, Reuters reported.

But both Preval and Clinton stressed that the extent of destruction meant that Haiti had more basic concerns, such as providing its citizens shelter, medical care and food and water. The quake killed some 220,000 people and caused up to $14 billion in damage.

Clinton said the U.S. would also seek to persuade more countries to grant trade benefits to Haiti. The U.S. has provided $700 million in assistance to the island, the poorest nation in the western hemisphere.

Preval will meet with President Obama Wednesday.