WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is pledging a sustained commitment to the government and the people of Haiti, and thanking U.S. citizens for showing "extraordinary compassion."

The president said Friday the United States has a responsibility to help a neighbor in the Americas. Haiti is reeling from an enormous earthquake, with a mounting death toll and a desperate need for food, water and other supplies.

Obama also announced that he will meet at the White House Saturday with former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He has chosen them to lead the private fundraising efforts to help Haiti. He said the entire world stands with the government and the people of Haiti, and that U.S. aid is flowing into the country. (AP)