    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 16 (Monday, April 25, 1994)]
    [Pages 861-862]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Embargo on Haiti

    April 20, 1994

    Dear Mr. Speaker:   (Dear Mr. President:)

        Six months ago I provided you with my initial report on the
    deployment of U.S. Naval Forces in the implementation of the petroleum
    and arms embargo of Haiti. I am now providing this further report,
    consistent with the War Powers Resolution, to inform the Congress about
    the status of the U.S. contribution to the ongoing U.N. embargo
    enforcement effort.
        In response to the continued obstruction by the military authorities
    of Haiti to the dispatch of the U.N. Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) and their
    failure to comply with the Governors Island Agreement, the United
    Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 875 (October 16, 1993). This
    resolution called upon Member States ``to use such measures commensurate
    with the specific circumstances as may be necessary'' to ensure strict
    implementation of the Haitian embargo on petroleum and arms and related
    material imposed by United Nations Security Council Resolutions 841 and
    873 (1993). Under U.S. command and control, and acting in concert with
    allied navies and in cooperation with the legitimate Government of
    Haiti, U.S. Naval Forces began maritime interception operations on
    October 18, 1993, in order to ensure compliance with the embargo terms.
        Since that time, U.S. Naval Forces have continued enforcement
    operations in the waters around Haiti, including at times in the
    territorial sea of that country. The Haiti maritime interception
    operations generally have employed up to six U.S. surface naval
    combatants serving on station in the approaches to Haitian ports. The
    maritime interception force has been comprised of naval units and
    supporting elements from the United States, Argentina, Canada, France,
    The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
        The objective of these maritime interception operations is to ensure
    that merchant vessels proceeding to Haiti are in compliance with United
    Nations Security Council sanctions. The enforcement operations have been
    conducted in a thorough and safe manner. As of April 18, 1994, more than
    6,000 vessels had been queried, 712 boarded, and 44 diverted to other
    than Haitian ports due to suspected violations or cargo that was
    inaccessible to inspection. These operations have been generally
    effective in preventing the sale or supply of embargoed items through
    sea trade and have specifically deterred tanker shipments of petroleum
    products, as one important aspect of the Haitian embargo enforcement
    effort. There have been no U.S. personnel casualties during the conduct
    of these operations.
        The valuable U.S. contribution to U.N. embargo enforcement
    operations is impor-

    [[Page 862]]

    tant to U.S. goals and interests in the region and, fundamentally, to
    the restoration of democracy in Haiti. I am not able to indicate at this
    time how long the deployment of U.S. Naval Forces in this multilateral
    operation will be necessary. I have continued the deployment of U.S.
    Armed Forces for these purposes pursuant to my constitutional authority
    to conduct foreign relations and as Commander in Chief.
        I appreciate the support the Congress has provided for this
    important U.S. contribution to multilateral efforts to restore democracy
    to Haiti, and I look forward to continued cooperation with you in these
    matters.
        Sincerely,
                                                William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of
    the Senate. An original was not available for verification of the
    content of this letter.