    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [March 21, 1996]
    [Page 487]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 487]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Deployment of United States Armed
    Forces to Haiti
    March 21, 1996

    Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
        I am providing you my fourth report on the continuing deployment of
    U.S. Armed Forces to Haiti, most of whom have served as part of the
    United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH). I am providing this update of
    events in Haiti, consistent with the War Powers Resolution, to ensure
    that the Congress is kept fully informed regarding U.S. support for the
    successful efforts of UNMIH to assist the Government of Haiti in
    sustaining a secure and stable environment, protecting international
    personnel and key installations, establishing the conditions for holding
    elections, and professionalizing its security forces.
        As you know, pursuant to U.N. Security Council Resolution 975, UNMIH
    was authorized to assume responsibility for the U.S.-led Multinational
    Force for peacekeeping operations in Haiti. Through the presence of
    UNMIH and its support to the United Nations-Organization of American
    States International Civilian Mission, a tremendous improvement in the
    observance of basic human rights in Haiti has been achieved. Over 5,000
    Haitian police have received professional training and continued to be
    observed by and receive guidance from UNMIH international civilian
    police monitors. Haiti's Presidential election on December 17, 1995, led
    to the first-ever transition from one democratically elected President
    to another on February 7, 1996.
        In Resolution 1048 of February 29, 1996, the U.N. Security Council
    extended UNMIH's mandate for a period of 4 months and authorized a
    decrease in the troop level of UNMIH to no more than 1,200. Beginning in
    January of this year, there has been a phased reduction in the number of
    U.S. military personnel assigned to UNMIH. At present, 309 U.S.
    personnel remain a part of UNMIH, primarily providing logistical,
    aviation, psychological operations, engineering, staff, and medical
    support. These forces are equipped for combat. By April 15 we expect to
    withdraw all U.S. military personnel from UNMIH.
        In addition to U.S. personnel assigned to UNMIH, U.S. military
    personnel are assigned to the U.S. Support Group Haiti as part of the
    FAIRWINDS exercise. Over the past 6 months, the Support Group has
    demonstrated the capabilities of U.S. military engineers to deploy
    overseas in an austere environment and has also provided training
    opportunities for military engineering, support, medical, and civic
    affairs personnel. Through this exercise, substantial humanitarian and
    civic assistance has been provided to the Haitian people. This
    assistance has included the repair and restoration of nine schools and
    one hospital and the drilling of wells in order to provide potable water
    to two remote communities. Currently, the Support Group consists of 184
    military personnel, who are under U.S. command and follow U.S. rules of
    engagement.
        There have been no serious security incidents or civil disturbances
    involving attacks on or gunfire by U.S. forces since my last report.
        I have taken the measures described above in order to further
    important U.S. foreign policy goals and interests, including the
    restoration of democracy and respect for human rights in Haiti. I have
    ordered the continued deployment of U.S. forces in Haiti pursuant to my
    constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations and as Commander
    in Chief and Chief Executive, and in accordance with various statutory
    authorities.
        I remain committed to consulting closely with the Congress on our
    foreign policy, and I will continue to keep the Congress fully informed
    about significant deployments of our Armed Forces.
        Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of the
    Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    March 22.