[House Document 104-119]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]





                                     

        104th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House 
Document 104-119


 
   UPDATE ON DEPLOYMENT OF COMBAT-EQUIPPED U.S. ARMED FORCES TO HAITI

                               __________

                             COMMUNICATION

                                  from

                   THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

                              transmitting

  AN UPDATE ON THE DEPLOYMENT OF COMBAT-EQUIPPED U.S. ARMED FORCES TO 
             HAITI AS PART OF THE MULTINATIONAL FORCE (MNF)




    September 21, 1995.--Referred to the Committee on International 
                  Relations and ordered to be printed
                                           The White House,
                                    Washington, September 21, 1995.
Hon. Newt Gingrich,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Speaker: One year ago, I provided the Congress 
with my initial report on the deployment of combat-equipped 
U.S. Armed Forces to Haiti as part of the Multinational Force 
(MNF) authorized by the United Nations Security Council in 
Resolution 940. I provided a follow-on report on March 21, 
1995, which noted that the U.N. Security Council had determined 
that a safe and secure environment had been established in 
Haiti and that the number of U.S. forces in Haiti was being 
reduced in anticipation of the transfer of its security 
responsibilities to the United Nations Mission in Haiti 
(UNMIH). I am providing this update of events in Haiti, 
consistent with the War Powers Resolution, to ensure that the 
Congress is kept fully informed regarding U.S. support for the 
successful efforts of UNMIH to assist the Government of Haiti 
in sustaining a secure and stable environment, protecting 
international personnel and key installations, establishing the 
conditions for holding elections, and professionalizing its 
security forces.
    Pursuant to U.N. Security Council Resolution 975, the U.S.-
led MNF made a smooth and successful transition to UNMIH on 
March 31, 1995. The U.N. Force Commander is Major General 
Joseph Kinzer, U.S. Army, who also serves as the commander of 
the U.S. component of UNMIH. The United States has assigned 
2,400 military personnel to UNMIH while 12 other countries 
contribute 3,600 personnel, for a total UNMIH military force of 
6,000. United States military personnel currently assigned to 
UNMIH are from the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Polk, 
Louisiana, and associated units.
    In Resolution 1007 of July 31, 1995, the U.N. Security 
Council extended UNMIH's mandate through February 1996. As 
participants in UNMIH, U.S. military personnel have assisted in 
maintaining a secure and stable environment throughout Haiti 
during the past 6 months. In carrying out this function, they 
have also assisted the Haitian government by providing security 
during parliamentary elections on June 25, 1995, complementary 
elections on August 13, 1995, and runoff elections on September 
17, 1995. In addition, they have provided logistics and 
transportation support for the election effort. The 
Presidential election is scheduled for late November 1995.
    In addition to U.S. personnel assigned to UNMIH, 260 U.S. 
military personnel are assigned to the U.S. Support Group 
Haiti. In addition to supporting all U.S. personnel not 
assigned to UNMIH, the Support Group coordinates training 
exercises that involve the provision of humanitarian and civic 
assistance to the Haitian people. These personnel are under 
U.S. command and follow U.S. rules of engagement.
    There have been no serious security incidents or civil 
disturbances involving attacks on or gunfire by U.S. forces 
since my last report.
    I have taken the measures described above in order to 
further important U.S. goals and interests, including the 
restoration of democracy and respect for human rights in Haiti. 
I have ordered the continued deployment of U.S. forces in Haiti 
pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct foreign 
relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive, and in 
accordance with various statutory authorities.
    I remain committed to consulting closely with the Congress, 
and I will continue to keep the Congress fully informed 
regarding this important deployment of our forces.
            Sincerely,
                                                William J. Clinton.

                                
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