[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[May 28, 1992]
[Pages 838-839]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Denying Use of United States Ports to Vessels Trading With 
Haiti

May 28, 1992
    I have today directed the Secretary of the Treasury and the 
Secretary of Transportation to deny the use of American ports to ships 
that violate the trade embargo against Haiti. This action is being taken 
in support of the resolution adopted by the Organization of American 
States on May 17, which calls on OAS member states to deny port 
facilities to vessels trading with Haiti in disregard of the OAS 
embargo.
    The United States remains committed unequivocally to the restoration 
of democratic government in Haiti. We will continue working in close 
concert with our OAS allies toward a negotiated settlement of the 
political crisis that began with the overthrow of President Jean-
Bertrand Aristide last September 30. In addition to today's action, and 
in accordance with the recent OAS resolution, we are examining other 
steps to tighten sanctions against the illegal regime in Port-au-Prince.
    Our actions are directed at those in Haiti who are opposing a return 
to democracy, not at the Haitian poor. We are continuing to provide 
substantial, direct humanitarian assistance to the people of Haiti and 
are working to intensify those efforts. Our current programs total $47 
million and provide food for over 600,000 Haitians and health care 
services that reach nearly 2 million. While tightening the embargo, we 
will continue to encourage others to ship food staples and other 
humanitarian items to those in need. The action that I have directed 
will not affect vessels carrying permitted items.
    We are expanding opportunities for Haitians who fear persecution in 
their homeland to apply for admission to the United States as refugees 
with our Embassy in Port-au-Prince. The Embassy has been receiving such 
applications since early February, and all persons who believe they may 
be qualified are urged to avail themselves of our expanded refugee 
operation in Haiti. I have asked the Department of State to

[[Page 839]]

ensure that Embassy personnel will also be available outside Port-au-
Prince to assist applicants in other parts of the country in pursuing 
their claims.