NEW YORK, May 18th. - Bill Clinton, former president of the United States, has been named United Nations' Special Envoy to Haiti to help rebuild the impoverished nation after numerous natural disasters and food shortages have brought the population in to further poverty and despair.

Clinton told The Miami Herald in a statement, "It is an honor to accept the secretary general's invitation to become special envoy to Haiti. Last year's natural disasters took a great toll, but Haiti's government and people have the determination and ability to `build back better,' not just to repair the damage done but to lay the foundations for the long-term sustainable development.'' Clinton and U.S. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited the country two months ago to raise attention for Haiti's rebuilding program following a year of storms. Four back-to-back hurricanes left nearly 800 dead and caused nearly $1 billion in damages, the Herald said.

Clinton's foundation has been active in Haiti for years, working on issues such as health care, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and restoring the environment.

Clinton has been involved with Haiti since his first term as president, using the threat of force to pressure military coup leaders into restoring ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.In 2005, President Bill Clinton endorsed the humanitarian work of the Batey Relief Alliance and made an emotional plea asking for disaster relief support for the organization, after Hurricane Jeanne left a path of destruction in Haiti while killing 4000 people. Click HERE to view video. The Batey Relief Alliance partners with the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative and USAID to implement projects that benefit both the populations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.