[House Document 104-190]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]




104th Congress, 2nd Session - - - - - - - - -  House Document 104-190


 
                       UPDATE OF EVENTS IN HAITI

                               __________

                             COMMUNICATION

                                  from

                   THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

                              transmitting

 THE FOURTH REPORT ON THE CONTINUING DEPLOYMENT OF UNITED STATES ARMED 
                            FORCES TO HAITI




 March 25, 1996.--Referred to the Committee on International Relations 
                       and ordered to be printed.
                                           The White House,
                                        Washington, March 21, 1996.
Hon. Newt Gingrich,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Speaker: I am providing you my fourth report on 
the continuing deployment of U.S. Armed Forces to Haiti, most 
of whom have served as part of 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.
    As you know, pursuant to U.N. Security Council Resolution 
975, UNMIH was authorized to assume responsibility for the 
U.S.-led Multinational Force for peacekeeping operations in 
Haiti. Through the presence of UNMIH and its support to the 
United Nations-Organization of American States International 
Civilian Mission, a tremendous improvement in the observance of 
basic human rights in Haiti has been achieved. Over 5,000 
Haitian police have received professional training and 
continued to be observed by and receive guidance from UNMIH 
international civilian police monitors. Haiti's Presidential 
election on December 17, 1995, led to the first-ever transition 
from one democratically elected President to another on 
February 7, 1996.
    In Resolution 1048 of February 29, 1996, the U.N. Security 
Council extended UNMIH's mandate for a period of 4 months and 
authorized a decrease in the troop level of UNMIH to no more 
than 1,200. Beginning in January of this year, there has been a 
phased reduction in the number of U.S. military personnel 
assigned to UNMIH. At present, 309 U.S. personnel remain a part 
of UNMIH, primarily providing logistical, aviation, 
psychological operations, engineering, staff, and medical 
support. These forces are equipped for combat. By April 15, we 
expect to withdraw all U.S. military personnel from UNMIH.
    In addition to U.S. personnel assigned to UNMIH, U.S. 
military personnel are assigned to the U.S. Support Group Haiti 
as part of the FAIRWINDS exercise. Over the past 6 months, the 
Support Group has demonstrated the capabilities of U.S. 
military engineers to deploy overseas in an austere environment 
and has also provided training opportunities for military 
engineering, support, medical, and civic affairs personnel. 
Through this exercise, substantial humanitarian and civic 
assistance has been provided to the Haitian people. This 
assistance has included the repair and restoration of nine 
schools and one hospital and the drilling of wells in order to 
provide potable water to two remote communities. Currently, the 
Support Group consists of 184 military personnel, who 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. foreign policy 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 
on our foreign policy, and I will continue to keep the Congress 
fully informed about significant deployments of our Armed 
Forces.
            Sincerely,
                                                William J. Clinton.

                                
