    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [March 15, 1997]
    [Pages 317-318]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Deployment of
    United States Forces to Albania
    March 15, 1997

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        In February 1997, civil unrest broke out in Albania after a
    nationwide pyramid investment scheme destroyed the life savings of tens
    of thousands of investors unaware of the fraudulent nature of those
    investments. Protesters took to the streets and later joined political
    opponents of President Sali Berisha in demanding his removal. By March
    13, much of Albania, including the capital city of Tirana, had fallen
    into widespread disorder. Looting and gunfire was reported throughout
    the country as sympathetic police and military officials refused to
    enforce the law. While there was no evidence that Americans were being
    directly targeted, the disorder and violence sweeping the country
    subjected American citizens and property to risks ranging from criminal
    acts to random violence.
        On March 13, due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation and
    the potential threat to American citizens and the American Embassy, U.S.
    military personnel were deployed to provide enhanced security for the
    American Embassy in Tirana and to conduct the evacuation of certain U.S.
    Government employees and private U.S. citizens. Approximately 25 U.S.
    Marines entered the capital city on March 13 and immediately took up
    positions in and around the American Embassy compound. Evacuation
    operations began concurrently as U.S. CH-46 helicopters operating from
    the USS Nassau amphibious ready group transported approximately 50 U.S.
    citizens to U.S. Navy ships at sea. Evacuation efforts resumed on March
    14 and are expected to continue for several days. The rescue helicopters
    are escorted by AH-1W Cobra helicopters, which came under fire but were
    not damaged during separate, sporadic incidents on March 14. In
    addition, a 150-member Marine rifle company has also been inserted near
    the American Embassy to provide additional security for the evacuation.
        The Marines involved in this operation are from the Marine
    Expeditionary Unit currently operating in the Adriatic Sea. Although
    U.S. forces are equipped for combat, the evacuation is being undertaken
    solely for the purpose of protecting American citizens and property.
    United States forces will redeploy as soon as evacuation operations are
    complete and enhanced security at the American Embassy is no longer
    required.
        I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to
    conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief
    Executive.
        I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the
    Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I
    appreciate the support of the Congress in this action to protect
    American citizens and the American Embassy in Tirana.
            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.

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