Résumé
On Friday, the French asked for guidance from Council members
on how to handle Rwandan interim government officials taking
refuge in the safe area. Our preference is that the officials be
detained and arrested, and we would be willing to support
Security Council action authorizing the French to do so.
However, in this case, because France's forces are involved, we
prefer to let them set the tone and pace of Council action.
Citation
UNCLASSIFIED
BRIEFING MEMORANDUM
July 18, 1994
TO:
Ambassador Albright
THRU:
Ambassador Gnehm
FROM:
POL - Cameron H
RELEASED IN FULL
SUBJECT: July 18 Security Council Informals on Rwanda
The talking points below, drawn from Friday's White House
statement de-recognizing Rwanda, are intended for your use under
Council discussion of "Other Matters."
Under the Rwanda agenda item, we expect another briefing from
Gharekhan highlighting two incidents over the weekend. Three
rockets were fired in the vicinity of Goma airport Sunday killing
60. The UN secretariat is reluctant to place blame on either the
RPF or the Interim Government; UNAMIR will investigate. In
addition, there was an exchange of small arms fire in the French
safe area between French and RPF forces. No casualties were
reported. The UN estimates that there are now close to 1 million
refugees in the greater Goma area.
On Friday, the French asked for guidance from Council members
on how to handle Rwandan interim government officials taking
refuge in the safe area. Our preference is that the officials be
detained and arrested, and we would be willing to support
Security Council action authorizing the French to do so.
However, in this case, because France's forces are involved, we
prefer to let them set the tone and pace of Council action.
TALKING POINTS (for other matters)
o
Events make patently clear that there is no fucntioning
government in Rwanda at this time. Therefore, on Friday, as
many of you are aware, President Clinton announced that the
U.S. would no longer recognize any government of Rwanda.
o
We have consequently required the cessation of Rwanda's
diplomatic activity in Washington and the withdrawal of
Mission personnel.
o
Me intend our announcement to send a forceful political and
moral statement of our disapproval of the interim government
of Rwanda.
o
Noting that the ongoing fighting is creating an even more
perilous humanitarian disaster in rwanda and along its
borders, the President appeals to all forces to agree to an
immediate cease-fire, and calla on responsible parties to
begin serious talks on forming a transitional government that
will lead to genuine power sharing jUPUTEDSTATESDEPARTMENTOFSTATE
REVIEW AUTHORITY: THEODORE SELLIN
DATE/CASEID: 110CT2002 200000294
Drafted:P OL:JShi
Distribution: EXe()15), PN.3_1 REF flo
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On Friday, the French asked for guidance from Council members
on how to handle Rwandan interim government officials taking
refuge in the safe area. Our preference is that the officials be
detained and arrested, and we would be willing to support
Security Council action authorizing the French to do so.
However, in this case, because France's forces are involved, we
prefer to let them set the tone and pace of Council action.
