[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withdrawn 80 percent of our forces.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.