    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [March 1, 2000]
    [Pages 350-351]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Assistance to Mozambique
    March 1, 2000

        This evening I am announcing my intention to augment substantially
    U.S. assistance to flood-ravaged Mozambique, and to ongoing regional
    efforts to address the emergency caused by flooding in southern Africa.
        The United States has already committed $12.8 million from the U.S.
    Agency for International Development and the Department of Defense in
    support of relief activities. This includes over $4 million for search
    and rescue air operations and the deployment of a water rescue team and
    boats from Metro-Dade, Florida. Already, one U.S. military aircraft
    delivered relief supplies to Mozambique today, and a second will shortly
    arrive in South Africa. Our assistance also includes food and funds to
    support efforts to control the spread of disease. Other countries are
    contributing generously as well. But we can do more to address the needs
    of the nearly one million people who have been displaced in the region
    and who face more flooding in the days to come.
        I have approved the deployment of a Joint Task Force to the region
    to assist in the relief effort. The deployment will include six C-130
    support aircraft to deliver relief supplies, six heavy-lift helicopters
    to assist in search and rescue, and small boat search and rescue
    capability. The deployments will help support the relief effort in
    Mozambique and elsewhere in the region.

    [[Page 351]]

        All Americans have been deeply moved by the tragic events in
    southern Africa. At the same time, we have admired the determination of
    the governments and people of the region to meet this challenge. We have
    also been gratified by the generous response of the American people and
    others in the international community.
        I offer the strong support of the Government and the people of the
    United States to the people of Mozambique, and all of southern Africa,
    and pledge that we will work with you to address this crisis.

    Note: The related memorandum of March 2 on emergency disaster assistance
    for southern Africa is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.