Clinton Administration Warns of Potential Invasion of Haiti Amid Ongoing Crisis

Strategic Insights -

The Clinton administration is pushing for Haiti's military leaders to step down, with U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher stating that military intervention is an option on the table. President Clinton's special adviser on Haiti, William Gray, emphasized that an invasion is not imminent, but the threat of military action remains. The situation in Haiti has sparked international concern, with the G-7 leaders and Russia issuing a joint statement supporting the U.S. call for the military rulers to surrender power and allow the return of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clinton administration is considering military intervention in Haiti, with Secretary of State Warren Christopher stating that the option is "still on the table".
  • President Clinton's special adviser on Haiti, William Gray, warned that repression, killings, drug trafficking, and the plight of refugees make Haiti a vital U.S. interest.
  • Gray stated that the military leaders of Haiti, not the United States, will decide whether there is military intervention.
  • The G-7 leaders and Russia have issued a joint statement supporting the U.S. call for the military rulers to surrender power and allow the return of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
  • U.S. President Clinton emphasized that the aim is to restore President Aristide to power, and he was supported by the G-7 leaders in this effort.
  • Secretary of State Christopher rejected a suggestion to appoint a bipartisan commission to review Haiti policy, stating that military intervention seemed inevitable without such action.
  • The international community has expressed concern over the human rights situation in Haiti, with thousands being killed and raped for political purposes.

Statistics:

  • Thousands of Haitians have been killed and raped for political purposes.
  • The U.S. has deployed Marines to the area in support of potential military action.
  • The G-7 leaders and Russia have formally endorsed the U.S. position on Haiti.
  • The U.N. has passed several resolutions calling for the Haitian military to step down.

Sources:

  • CNN's "Late Edition" program
  • ABC's "This Week with David Brinkley"
  • NBC's "Meet the Press" program
  • The Naples (Italy) site of the Group of Seven economic summit
  • A news conference by President Clinton at the close of the summit meeting