Clinton Authorizes Last-Ditch Diplomatic Mission to Haiti

Strategic Insights -

President Clinton has authorized a high-level delegation headed by former President Jimmy Carter to travel to Haiti in an effort to convince the de facto regime's military leaders to leave peacefully. The mission comes as the U.S. prepares to invade with 20,000 soldiers. Clinton decided to dispatch the delegation within the next 24 hours, with the goal of conducting discussions with the de facto Haitian leaders within the framework of the U.S. and U.N. Security Council's goals.

Carter has a track record of successful diplomatic missions, including convincing North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung to freeze his nuclear program earlier this year. The U.N. Security Council has authorized the use of "all necessary means" to dispose of the military dictators and restore ousted Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. has authorized a high-level delegation headed by former President Jimmy Carter to travel to Haiti to convince the de facto regime's military leaders to leave peacefully.
  • The mission comes as the U.S. prepares to invade with 20,000 soldiers.
  • The delegation will conduct discussions with the de facto Haitian leaders within the framework of the U.S. and U.N. Security Council's goals.
  • Carter has a track record of successful diplomatic missions, including convincing North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung to freeze his nuclear program earlier this year.
  • The U.N. Security Council has authorized the use of "all necessary means" to dispose of the military dictators and restore ousted Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
  • The U.S. has offered to facilitate the departure of the de facto leaders, including Cedras, Francois, and Biamby, who can avoid capture by fleeing the country.
  • There have been hints that the de facto leaders may be considering taking the Clinton administration's offer to leave peacefully, but "no reliable indications" have been confirmed.

Statistics:

  • 20,000 U.S. soldiers are preparing to invade Haiti.
  • The U.N. Security Council has authorized the use of "all necessary means" to dispose of the military dictators.
  • Carter has a track record of successful diplomatic missions, including one in North Korea earlier this year.
  • The U.S. has offered to facilitate the departure of the de facto leaders, including Cedras, Francois, and Biamby.
  • 24 hours - the timeframe within which the delegation must leave for Haiti.

Sources:

  • SID BALMAN Jr. UPI Diplomatic Writer WASHINGTON, Sept. 16
  • U.S. officials
  • Jimmy Carter
  • Anthony Lake, National Security Adviser
  • Warren Christopher, Secretary of State
  • Michael McCurry, State Department Spokesman
  • Edward Seaga, former Jamaican Prime Minister
  • William Perry, Defense Secretary
  • CNN
  • ABC "Good Morning America"