[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[August 14, 1992]
[Page 1360]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 1360]]


Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on Additional Humanitarian Aid 
for Somalia
August 14, 1992

    The growing suffering and mass death by starvation in Somalia is a 
major human tragedy. The United States Government and other 
international donors have already made significant contributions to 
alleviate this manmade famine. Because armed bands are stealing and 
hoarding food as well as attacking international relief workers, the 
primary challenge that the international community faces is the delivery 
of relief supplies.
    The United States will take a leading role with other nations and 
international organizations to overcome the obstacles and ensure that 
food reaches those who so desperately need it.
    On Thursday, we announced our offer to transport U.N. troops to 
enhance security for food deliveries in Mogadishu. Today, the President 
is announcing the following additional measures:
    1. The Defense Department will begin as soon as possible emergency 
airlift operations to deliver food. We are asking the Kenyan Government 
to join us in supporting airlifts to northern Kenya for Somali refugees 
and drought-stricken Kenyans and to locations inside Somalia where there 
is sufficient security to support these relief operations. We are also 
examining other means of delivering food to Somalia.
    2. Ambassador Perkins at the United Nations will begin immediate 
consultations to seek a Security Council resolution that would authorize 
the use of additional measures to ensure that humanitarian relief can be 
delivered.
    3. We are also proposing that the United Nations convene a donors 
conference to include representatives of the major Somali factions so 
that their cooperation can be gained. Such cooperation would be the most 
important step to accelerate delivery of relief supplies and minimize 
security problems.
    4. The President has also directed that an additional 145,000 tons 
of American food be made available for Somalia.
    5. Finally, to ensure that all U.S. relief activities are properly 
coordinated, Andrew Natsios, Assistant Administrator of AID for Food and 
Humanitarian Assistance, has been appointed as Special Coordinator for 
Somali Relief.
    The President calls upon other nations to join us in this urgent and 
important effort to alleviate starvation in Somalia.