    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 19, 2000]
    [Page 985]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 985]]

    Statement on Assistance To Support Efforts To Stabilize the Situation in
    Sierra Leone
    May 19, 2000

        I have authorized the Department of Defense to provide up to $20
    million in defense goods and services to support efforts by the United
    Nations and other international forces to stabilize the situation in
    Sierra Leone. This assistance, which we will provide on a
    nonreimbursable basis, will include military transport, supplies,
    equipment, and services, so the international community has the
    capabilities it urgently needs.
        Our African and other partners have taken a stand to restore peace
    and hope to Sierra Leone; we will stand with them. Sierra Leone's people
    have suffered far too much for far too long, and they need immediate
    assistance to prevent a return to full-scale civil war. We have a
    genuine opportunity to make a difference, to give them a chance for a
    better future, and to aid the cause of stability and democracy in
    Africa. We will do what is necessary for Sierra Leone so the
    international community can get the job done.