[House Document 107-268]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]




107th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Document 107-268


 
   A REPORT CONSISTENT WITH THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION REGARDING THE 
                        ACTION IN COTE D'IVOIRE

                               __________

                             COMMUNICATION

                                  From

                   THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

                              Transmitting

 A REPORT AS PART OF HIS EFFORTS TO KEEP THE CONGRESS FULLY INFORMED, 
CONSISTENT WITH THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION REGARDING THE ACTION IN COTE 
                                D'IVOIRE




    September 30, 2002.--Referred to the Committee on International 
                  Relations and ordered to be printed
                                           The White House,
                                    Washington, September 26, 2002.
Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Speaker: On September 19, 2002, a mutiny and 
rebellion took place in the West African country of Cote 
d'Ivoire that threatened American citizens living there. 
Fighting erupted between the mutineers and government forces.
    On September 24, 2002, a standby evacuation force of U.S. 
military personnel from the U.S. European Command was pre-
positioned in Accra, Ghana, to assist with the evacuation of 
U.S. citizens from Cote d'Ivoire and with any other 
contingencies that might emerge. These forces initially 
included approximately 180 soldiers, fixed-wing aircraft, and 
equipment.
    On September 25, 2002, U.S. forces moved into Cote d'Ivoire 
to assist French forces with the evacuation of American 
citizens and third country nationals from Bouake. This included 
children from the International Christian Academy as well as 
Peace Corps Volunteers, faculty, and missionaries. United 
States forces will also assist in the evacuation of other 
American citizens and third country nationals in Cote d'Ivoire, 
should their evacuation become necessary.
    Although U.S. forces are equipped for combat, this movement 
was undertaken solely for the purpose of protecting American 
citizens and property. United States forces will redeploy as 
soon as it is determined that this mission is completed.
    I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional 
authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in 
Chief and Chief Executive. I am providing this report as part 
of my efforts to keep the Congress informed, consistent with 
the War Powers Resolution.
    I appreciate the support of the Congress in this action in 
Cote d'Ivoire.
            Sincerely,
                                                    George W. Bush.

                                
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