    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [March 31, 1995]
    [Pages 438-439]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the United Nations Transition Ceremony in Port-au-Prince
    March 31, 1995

        Mr. Secretary-General, President Aristide, members of the
    multinational force in Haiti, members of the United Nations mission in
    Haiti: We gather to celebrate the triumph of freedom

    [[Page 439]]

    over fear. And we are here to look ahead to the next steps that we will
    take together to help the people of Haiti strengthen their hard-won
    democracy.

        Six months ago, a 30-nation multinational force, led by the United
    States, entered Haiti with a clear mission: To ensure the departure of
    the military regime, to restore the freely elected government of Haiti,
    and to establish a secure and stable environment in which the people of
    Haiti could begin to rebuild their country. Today, that mission has been
    accomplished, on schedule and with remarkable success.

        On behalf of the United States, I thank all the members of the
    multinational force for their outstanding work, and pledge our support
    for the United Nations mission in Haiti.

        Over the past 6 months, the multinational force has proved that a
    shared burden makes for a lighter load. Working together, 30 nations
    from around the world--from the Caribbean to Australia, from Bangladesh
    to Jordan--demonstrated the effectiveness and the benefits of
    international peacekeeping. And they helped give the people of Haiti a
    second chance at democracy.

        The multinational force ensured the peaceful transition from the
    military regime to President Aristide. It removed more than 30,000
    weapons and explosive devices from the streets. Through the
    international police monitors, led by Commissioner Ray Kelly, it trained
    and monitored an interim police force and worked side by side with them
    throughout Haiti. And it helped to prepare a permanent civilian police
    force that will maintain security and respect for human rights in the
    months and years ahead.
        Let me say to the members of the new permanent police force who are
    with us here today: You are the guardians of Haiti's new democracy. Its
    future rests on your shoulders. Uphold the constitution. Respect
    democracy and human rights. Defend them. That is your sacred mission and
    your solemn obligation.

        Now it is the United Nations mission's task to secure and stabilize
    the environment in Haiti and to help the government prepare for free and
    fair elections. The mission, with participants from 33 countries, has
    the tools it needs to succeed: a 6,000-strong military force under the
    command of United States Army General Joseph Kinzer; a 900-member
    international police force led by Chief Superintendent Neil Pouliot of
    Canada; and dozens of well-trained economic, political, and legal
    advisers.

        The United Nations mission will end its work here in February 1996,
    after the election and inauguration of a new President. To all of you
    taking part in the U.N. mission, I know many challenges lie between here
    and there. Your work will be demanding and difficult. But the
    multinational force has set a strong foundation of success upon which to
    build.

        Most important of all, the people of Haiti, have shown a powerful
    commitment to peace and to reconciliation. Working with them, you can
    help make real Haiti's reborn promise of democracy. I know you will do
    that.

        Good luck, and Godspeed.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:16 p.m. at the National Palace. In his
    remarks, he referred to United Nations Secretary-General Boutros
    Boutros-Ghali.