[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 49 (Monday, December 9, 1996)]
[Pages 2452-2453]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders on Rwanda and Zaire

December 2, 1996

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

    The humanitarian situation in Rwanda and the Great Lakes region of 
eastern Zaire has been a continuing source of international concern. 
Although approximately 600,000 refugees have recently returned to Rwanda 
from Zaire, the situation remains uncertain. An estimated 200,000 or 
more refugees and displaced persons remain scattered in eastern Zaire 
likely without adequate food, water, shelter, or medical care. 
Repatriation is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Urgent 
action may still be required, however, to supply essential relief to 
refugees and displaced persons still located in eastern Zaire and to 
assist those refugees that have returned to Rwanda.
    In response to United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 
1080 (1996), the United States plans to participate in a multinational 
effort, led by Canada, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian 
assistance and to facilitate the voluntary, orderly repatriation of 
refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other 
humanitarian aid organizations as well as the voluntary return of 
displaced persons. Pending final consultation with our allies, I expect 
the United States to contribute personnel and equipment to the 
headquarters, civil-military affairs and psychological operations units, 
and other support elements as required.
    In furtherance of UNSCR 1080 and the aim of the multinational 
effort, the United States has already positioned personnel and equipment 
in furtherance of ``Operation Guardian Assistance'' (approximately 400 
personnel are currently in the region) to conduct non-combat missions, 
including airlift, air control, and related services in support of 
ongoing humanitarian efforts by Rwanda and private relief organizations.

[[Page 2453]]

    Part of the U.S. assistance to the region has been helping locate 
groups of refugees and displaced persons to ascertain their movement and 
condition. The United States has used aircraft and other means in an 
effort to gain accurate and complete information. Although there has 
been sporadic fire from unknown sources at aircraft over-flying the 
Great Lakes region, including U.S. Navy aircraft, it is not clear that 
this fire was intentionally directed at U.S. personnel. This past 
weekend the United States also deployed an AC-130U aircraft to the area 
to facilitate this effort through the use of aerial surveys. Although 
its primary mission is aerial surveys, the aircraft is fully mission-
capable and will be available for search and rescue or other force-
protection missions, if required. The aircraft will be based in Entebbe 
Airfield, Uganda, and will conduct aerial surveys throughout the Great 
Lakes region. The aircraft will remain in the area as long as aerial 
survey efforts are required by relief efforts.
    The United States recognizes that the return of peace and security 
to the region will ultimately rest on the resolution of long-standing 
political and social differences and an end to the fighting. The United 
States is actively supporting the United Nations and the international 
community to achieve those ends. Humanitarian concerns, however, require 
that the United States take immediate action to relieve the suffering of 
innocent victims of the regional instability until those long-term 
political and social differences can be resolved.
    I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to 
conduct the foreign relations of the United States and as Commander in 
Chief and Chief Executive. I am providing this report in accordance with 
my desire that the Congress be fully informed, consistent with the War 
Powers Resolution. I appreciate the support of the Congress in this 
action to assist the international community in its humanitarian relief 
efforts in Central Africa.
    Sincerely,
                                                  Bill 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 
December 3.