    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [October 25, 1994]
    [Pages 1897-1898]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing Legislation Regarding United States Policy Toward
    Haiti
    October 25, 1994

        Today I have signed into law S.J. Res. 229, ``Regarding United
    States policy toward Haiti.''
        In signing this joint resolution, it is important to clarify the
    interpretation of a provision related to the President's authority and
    responsibility as Commander in Chief.
        Section 2 of the resolution calls, inter alia, for a detailed
    description of ``the general rules of engagement under which operations
    of the United States Armed Forces are conducted in and around Haiti.'' I
    interpret this language as seeking only information about the rules of
    engagement that I may supply consistent with my constitutional
    responsibilities, and not information of a sensitive operational nature.
        Let me take this opportunity to associate myself unreservedly with
    the joint resolution's commendation of the professional excellence and
    dedicated patriotism with which the men and

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    women of the U.S. Armed Forces are performing their mission in Haiti.
        The combination of determined diplomacy and military resolve
    achieved, just 1 month ago, an agreement that permitted the peaceful
    deployment of U.S. and multinational forces to Haiti pursuant to the
    provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 940. And on
    October 15, culminating 3 years of international efforts led by the
    United States, Haiti's democratically elected President, Jean-Bertrand
    Aristide, stood on the steps of the Presidential Palace in Port-au-
    Prince and addressed tens of thousand of his countrymen and women in an
    atmosphere of joy, reconciliation, and rebuilding.
        That historic achievement capped a breathtaking month of democratic
    restoration and the beginnings of Haiti's economic recovery, all made
    possible by the dedicated efforts of our service men and women in Haiti.
    The Haitian people no longer live in fear; they now have hope. The coup
    leaders are gone from Haiti and the thugs are no longer in control.
    Haiti's parliament is open. It has enacted an amnesty law and is busy
    laying the legislative groundwork for stronger democratic institutions.
    The Mayor of Port-au-Prince has been restored to office after 3 years of
    internal exile, the legitimate Prime Minister and Cabinet have reclaimed
    their offices, and the state media are back at the service of the
    people. The lights are on again in Cap-Haitian after 2 years of darkness
    as electrical service is expanded throughout the country. With the
    lifting of all U.S. and international sanctions upon President
    Aristide's return to Haiti, commercial fuel and food shipments and
    airline service have resumed.
        The full restoration of democracy opens a period of hope for the
    Haitian people. Only they can reconcile their country. As the
    international community supports them with a major program of economic
    assistance, our military personnel participating in the multinational
    force will maintain the climate of basic security in which those goals
    can be achieved. Through police monitors and trainers, the multinational
    force will lay the groundwork for the transition of the Haitian army to
    a professional defense force and for the creation of a civilian police
    force.
        We expect that within months, the bulk of our military personnel
    will leave Haiti. The multinational coalition will transfer
    responsibility to the United Nations Mission in Haiti in accordance with
    United Nations Security Council Resolution 940. Our forces'
    accomplishments in the last month have been superb. I am confident they
    will maintain their outstanding record and leave a Haiti poised to
    consolidate its hard-won democracy, create a brighter future for all its
    people, and become a factor for stability in the region and hemisphere.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,
    October 25, 1994.

    Note: S.J. Res. 229, approved October 25, was assigned Public Law No.
    103-423. This statement was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on October 28.