    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [September 25, 1993]
    [Page 1598]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement by the Press Secretary on the Situation in Somalia
    September 25, 1993

        The United States condemns the attack on United Nations forces in
    Mogadishu last night which resulted in the death of three American
    soldiers and injuries to several other American and Pakistani soldiers.
    The President offers his deepest condolences to the families and friends
    of these brave men who were performing a vital humanitarian mission in
    Somalia.
        This attack underscores the need to reestablish security in
    Mogadishu to prevent the international humanitarian efforts from being
    undermined. At times like this, it is essential to remember the reasons
    for our engagement in the 25-nation U.N. mission in Somalia. The U.N.'s
    goal is to prevent the recurrence of the famine and anarchy that
    resulted in the deaths of 350,000 Somalis last year. We are working to
    create a peaceful environment in which the U.N.'s mission can be assumed
    by a Somali authority.
        Since 28,000 U.S. troops went to Somalia last December, we have
    withdrawn 80 percent of our forces. Today, our troops number less than
    5,000 and make up less than 20 percent of the remaining U.N. forces from
    over two dozen nations. As U.N. forces continue to take up the burden,
    the American role can continue to diminish.
        Today, Somalia is on the road to recovery, especially outside of
    Mogadishu. District councils are reestablishing the rule of law in much
    of the country, hospitals and schools are operating, and crops are being
    planted and harvested. On Wednesday, the United Nations took important
    steps forward to support the reconstruction of Somalia's judicial,
    security, and penal systems.
        We must not allow this substantial yet fragile progress to be
    threatened by the brutality of warlords who would profit from the
    suffering of others and thwart the will of the overwhelming majority of
    Somalis who seek peace and reconciliation.