    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [October 29, 1993]
    [Pages 1863-1864]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Situation in Haiti
    October 29, 1993

        The military and police authorities in Haiti continue to defy the
    will of the Haitian people and the international community. Their
    persistent obstructionism has prevented democracy's return, an important
    United States interest. We have other interests involved as well. I am
    committed to ensure the safety of over 1,000 Americans living and
    working in Haiti. We must also give Haitians hope in their own land so
    they do not risk the perils of the sea to try to reach our shores.
        The continued violence and intimidation by the Haitian military and
    police authorities have made it impossible for President Aristide to
    return to Haiti tomorrow, as scheduled under the Governors Island
    Agreement of July 3. I have called President Aristide and Prime Minister
    Malval today to reaffirm America's commitment to finding a negotiated
    solution to this crisis.
        I welcome and applaud the invitation of U.N. Secretary-General
    Boutros-Ghali, announced by U.N./OAS Special Envoy Dante Caputo, to all
    parties to meet next week in Haiti to get the Governors Island process
    back on track. The Haitian military and police leaders must not delude
    themselves into thinking they have destroyed the Governors Island
    process. We remain firmly committed to that process and the
    consolidation of Haitian democracy. Next week's meeting offers the
    opportunity to resolve the outstanding issues between all sides. I urge
    all parties to act in good faith and with flexibility and with the
    interests of all Haitians at heart. President Aristide must be allowed
    to return home to the Haitian people who elected him by a landslide in
    1991.
        President Aristide's address to the U.N. General Assembly October 28
    reaffirmed his dedica-

    [[Page 1864]]

    tion to the well-being of all his people. His emphasis on dialog and
    reconciliation should provide confidence that the Haitian crisis can be
    solved peacefully by negotiation. I urge all parties to build on that
    spirit at next week's meeting.
        The sanctions and their enforcement are an unprecedented defense of
    democracy in the Americas. The U.N. and OAS sanctions and additional
    steps we have taken against individuals blocking a negotiated solution
    underscore the depth of our Nation's commitment to end this crisis. We
    will maintain sanctions and strictly enforce them by the U.S. Navy and
    Coast Guard and by ships of several allies. We will also consider the
    most effective ways to tighten the sanctions.
        As we work for the return of President Aristide, we will maintain
    our policy of direct return of migrants and continue to process
    political asylum applications within Haiti. Mindful of the impact of
    sanctions on Haiti's poor, we will also continue our humanitarian
    assistance to assist those in need. It feeds half a million Haitian
    children every day and provides health services to 2 million Haitians.
    We will closely monitor the provision of these services and seek to
    ensure an adequate supply of fuel for their delivery.
        The Haitian crisis challenges our country's principles and
    interests. We must maintain our commitment to work for its peaceful
    resolution. Let me say to the Haitian people: I am determined to help
    you restore the democracy you sacrificed so much to attain. And when it
    is restored, we in the international community will be by your side to
    help you create a future of hope.