[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 12 (Monday, March 24, 1997)]
[Pages 375-376]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Situation in Albania

March 15, 1997

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

    In February 1997, civil unrest broke out in Albania after a 
nationwide pyramid investment scheme destroyed the life savings of tens 
of thousands of investors unaware of the fraudulent nature of those 
investments. Protesters took to the streets and later joined political 
opponents of President Sali Berisha in demanding his removal. By March 
13, much of Albania, including the capital city of Tirana, had fallen 
into widespread disorder. Looting and gunfire was reported throughout 
the country as sympathetic police and military officials refused to 
enforce the law. While there was no evidence that Americans were being 
directly targeted, the disorder and violence sweeping the country 
subjected American citizens and property to risks ranging from criminal 
acts to random violence.
    On March 13, due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation and 
the potential threat to American citizens and the American Embassy, U.S. 
military personnel were deployed to provide enhanced security for the 
American Embassy in Tirana and to conduct the evacuation of certain U.S. 
Government employees and private U.S. citizens. Approximately 25 U.S. 
Marines entered the capital city on March 13 and immediately took up 
positions in and around the American Embassy compound. Evacuation 
operations began concurrently as U.S. CH-46 helicopters operating from 
the USS Nassau amphibious ready group transported approximately 50 U.S. 
citizens to U.S. Navy ships at sea. Evacuation efforts resumed on March 
14 and are expected to continue for several

[[Page 376]]

days. The rescue helicopters are escorted by AH-1W Cobra helicopters, 
which came under fire but were not damaged during separate, sporadic 
incidents on March 14. In addition, a 150-member Marine rifle company 
has also been inserted near the American Embassy to provide additional 
security for the evacuation.
    The Marines involved in this operation are from the Marine 
Expeditionary Unit currently operating in the Adriatic Sea. Although 
U.S. forces are equipped for combat, the evacuation is being undertaken 
solely for the purpose of protecting American citizens and property. 
United States forces will redeploy as soon as evacuation operations are 
complete and enhanced security at the American Embassy is no longer 
required.
    I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to 
conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief 
Executive.
    I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the 
Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I 
appreciate the support of the Congress in this action to protect 
American citizens and the American Embassy in Tirana.
    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.