    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [December 2, 1996]
    [Page 2161]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 2161]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Rwanda and Zaire
    December 2, 1996

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        The humanitarian situation in Rwanda and the Great Lakes region of
    eastern Zaire has been a continuing source of international concern.
    Although approximately 600,000 refugees have recently returned to Rwanda
    from Zaire, the situation remains uncertain. An estimated 200,000 or
    more refugees and displaced persons remain scattered in eastern Zaire
    likely without adequate food, water, shelter, or medical care.
    Repatriation is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Urgent
    action may still be required, however, to supply essential relief to
    refugees and displaced persons still located in eastern Zaire and to
    assist those refugees that have returned to Rwanda.
        In response to United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR)
    1080 (1996), the United States plans to participate in a multinational
    effort, led by Canada, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian
    assistance and to facilitate the voluntary, orderly repatriation of
    refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other
    humanitarian aid organizations as well as the voluntary return of
    displaced persons. Pending final consultation with our allies, I expect
    the United States to contribute personnel and equipment to the
    headquarters, civil-military affairs and psychological operations units,
    and other support elements as required.
        In furtherance of UNSCR 1080 and the aim of the multinational
    effort, the United States has already positioned personnel and equipment
    in furtherance of ``Operation Guardian Assistance'' (approximately 400
    personnel are currently in the region) to conduct non-combat missions,
    including airlift, air control, and related services in support of
    ongoing humanitarian efforts by Rwanda and private relief organizations.
        Part of the U.S. assistance to the region has been helping locate
    groups of refugees and displaced persons to ascertain their movement and
    condition. The United States has used aircraft and other means in an
    effort to gain accurate and complete information. Although there has
    been sporadic fire from unknown sources at aircraft over-flying the
    Great Lakes region, including U.S. Navy aircraft, it is not clear that
    this fire was intentionally directed at U.S. personnel. This past
    weekend the United States also deployed an AC-130U aircraft to the area
    to facilitate this effort through the use of aerial surveys. Although
    its primary mission is aerial surveys, the aircraft is fully mission-
    capable and will be available for search and rescue or other force-
    protection missions, if required. The aircraft will be based in Entebbe
    Airfield, Uganda, and will conduct aerial surveys throughout the Great
    Lakes region. The aircraft will remain in the area as long as aerial
    survey efforts are required by relief efforts.
        The United States recognizes that the return of peace and security
    to the region will ultimately rest on the resolution of long-standing
    political and social differences and an end to the fighting. The United
    States is actively supporting the United Nations and the international
    community to achieve those ends. Humanitarian concerns, however, require
    that the United States take immediate action to relieve the suffering of
    innocent victims of the regional instability until those long-term
    political and social differences can be resolved.
        I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to
    conduct the foreign relations of the United States and as Commander in
    Chief and Chief Executive. I am providing this report in accordance with
    my desire that the Congress be fully informed, consistent with the War
    Powers Resolution. I appreciate the support of the Congress in this
    action to assist the international community in its humanitarian relief
    efforts in Central Africa.
            Sincerely,

                                                                Bill 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
    December 3.