[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-


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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.