[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 12 (Monday, March 25, 1996)]
[Pages 542-543]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders on Haiti

March 21, 1996

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

    I am providing you my fourth report on the continuing deployment of 
U.S. Armed Forces to Haiti, most of whom have served as part of the 
United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH). I am providing this update of 
events in Haiti, consistent with the War Powers Resolution, to ensure 
that the Congress is kept fully informed regarding U.S. support for the 
successful efforts of UNMIH to assist the Government of Haiti in 
sustaining a secure and stable environment, protecting international 
personnel and key installations, establishing the conditions for holding 
elections, and professionalizing its security forces.
    As you know, pursuant to U.N. Security Counsel Resolution 975, UNMIH 
was authorized to assume responsibility for the U.S.-led Multinational 
Force for peacekeeping operations in Haiti. Through the presence of 
UNMIH and its support to the United Nations-Organization of American 
States International Civilian Mission, a tremendous improvement in the 
observance of basic human rights in Haiti has been achieved. Over 5,000 
Haitian police have received professional training and continued to be 
observed by and receive guidance from UNMIH international civilian 
police monitors. Haiti's Presidential election on December 17, 1995, led 
to the first-ever transition from one democratically elected President 
to another on February 7, 1996.
    In Resolution 1048 of February 29, 1996, the U.N. Security Council 
extended UNMIH's mandate for a period of 4 months and authorized a 
decrease in the troop level of UNMIH to no more than 1,200. Beginning in 
January of this year, there has been a phased reduction in the number of 
U.S. military personnel assigned to UNMIH. At present, 309 U.S. 
personnel remain a part of UNMIH, primarily providing logistical, 
aviation, psychological operations, engineering, staff, and medical 
support. These forces are equipped for combat. By April 15 we expect to 
withdraw all U.S. military personnel from UNMIH.
    In addition to U.S. personnel assigned to UNMIH, U.S. military 
personnel are assigned to the U.S. Support Group Haiti as part of the 
FAIRWINDS exercise. Over the past 6 months, the Support Group has 
demonstrated the capabilities of U.S. military engineers to deploy 
overseas in an austere environment and has also provided training 
opportunities for military engineering, support, medical, and civic 
affairs personnel. Through this exercise, substantial humanitarian and 
civic assistance has been provided to the Haitian people. This 
assistance has included the repair and restoration of nine schools and 
one hospital and the drilling of wells in order to provide potable water 
to two remote communities. Currently, the Support Group consists of 184 
military personnel, who are under U.S. command and follow U.S. rules of 
engagement.
    There have been no serious security incidents or civil disturbances 
involving attacks

[[Page 543]]

on or gunfire by U.S. forces since my last report.
    I have taken the measures described above in order to further 
important U.S. foreign policy goals and interests, including the 
restoration of democracy and respect for human rights in Haiti. I have 
ordered the continued deployment of U.S. forces in Haiti pursuant to my 
constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations and as Commander 
in Chief and Chief Executive, and in accordance with various statutory 
authorities.
    I remain committed to consulting closely with the Congress on our 
foreign policy, and I will continue to keep the Congress fully informed 
about significant deployments of our Armed forces.
    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. This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
March 22.