US Department of State Daily Briefing #58:
Tuesday, 4/9/91
Boucher
Source: State Department Deputy Spokesman Richard
Boucher
Description: 12:42 PM, Washington, DC
Date: Apr 9, 19914/9/91
Category: Briefings
Region: MidEast/North Africa, Central America, Eurasia
Country: Iraq, Kuwait, Nicaragua, USSR (former)
Subject: Regional/Civil Unrest, Development/Relief Aid,
Refugees, Democratization
(ON THE RECORD UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
[Iraq: Update on Relief Efforts]
MR. BOUCHER: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. If
I can, I'd like to start off by updating you on relief efforts in
Turkey, Iran and southern Iraq.
First, I have to note that the numbers of people involved are
covered by estimates only. It's been very difficult to get precise
information on the level of the refugee outflow from northern Iraq.
Turkey
At this point, Turkish government and international relief
officials estimate that about 270,000 Iraqi civilians -- mostly
Kurds -- have crossed the border into Turkey. An additional
250,000 displaced civilians are reported to be across the border in
Iraq.
Relief efforts for the Kurdish refugees are underway. U.N.
agencies have turned over to Turkey relief supplies for 20,000
people as well as medical kits for 110,000. The Office of Foreign
Disaster Assistance has provided $275,000 in the last few days for
the local purchase of water, blankets, clothing and baby food.
Other supplies of blankets, tents and plastic sheeting for shelter
are being flown to Turkey from stocks in Europe and in the region.
On Monday, the Defense Department reports 12 military relief
flights -- that's nine U.S., two British, one French -- air dropped
57.6 tons of relief supplies. The supplies consisted of
pre-packaged meals, tents, blankets, sleeping bags, water and other
foodstuffs.
An additional 17 relief flights are scheduled to be flown
today. In addition to that, alternative means for air delivery of food
are being examined.
In addition, U.N. supplies for an additional 10,000 people, now
stockpiled in Syria, will be moved to Turkey by convoy later this
week.
So that's a rundown on what's actually -- some of the supplies
that are actually moving now. There are many other
efforts underway in terms of contributions of money and planning
and needs assessment, and things like that, that are being done
to see to the needs of the people who are in northern Iraq.
[Iran]
Q Do you have some numbers for the refugees on the
Iranian border?
MR. BOUCHER: Iran: The international relief officials
report that between 400,000 and 700,000 Iraqi civilians --
mostly Kurds -- were seeking refuge in Iran, with perhaps
500,000 to 700,000 more across the border. The Iranian Red
Crescent Society and previously established U.N. and
International Red Cross infrastructure are providing assistance
to these refugees.
The Red Crescent Society is undertaking a needs
assessment and preparing a plan of action for an expanded relief
operation. U.N. supplies earlier pre-positioned in Cyprus for
the Gulf refugee crisis are being readied for shipment to Iran.
Southern Iraq
And in southern Iraq, U.S. military forces and the
Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society continue to provide assistance to
over 25,000 displaced persons and local civilians who are
located in occupied southern Iraq. U.S. military forces are
providing medical care, food, water, shelter material, and they
are assisting local leaders to restore food distribution systems
within the area of coalition control.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees has agreed to
assume responsibility for the care and protection of refugees
and displaced persons in coalition-occupied southern Iraq when
U.S. forces withdraw.
In preparation for assuming this function, UNHCR has
opened an office in Kuwait and is already starting to work with
U.S. CENTCOM personnel. The ICRC is already active in the area,
and the ICRC is helping to effect an orderly transition of
assistance responsibility from U.S. military forces to the
UNHCR.
Q How many people are going to need this --
refugees?
MR. BOUCHER: It's a very flexible number, depending on
how you count it. The people that are being cared after, looked
after, are about over 25,000 people. There are other estimates
that there are some 40,000 total in the zone.
Q Richard, there are reports today that Britain and
France are making some airlifts to Iran where you acknowledge
that even larger number of refugees are fleeing. Is it still
the U.S. position that it is not going to airlift directly to
that area?
MR. BOUCHER: Well, I don't think I ever said it was
not the U.S. position to airlift there.
Q You said there were no plans to.
MR. BOUCHER: The way we've been working with things
with Iran is through the international organizations and our
support for the international organizations who are set up and
operating in Iran. You will remember that last Friday the
President, and then over the weekend the Secretary, both
indicated they were interested in every way possible to provide
the humanitarian assistance and relief to Iraqi refugees,
wherever they are going, including Iran.
As the President said, we would communicate that to the
Iranians. We have communicated that to the Iranians through the
protecting power of the Swiss. At this point we haven't heard
back from them. We have continued our assistance through the
international relief organizations which are helping refugees
throughout the region, including Iran. And, as I just said, the
Iranian Red Crescent is reportedly doing a needs assessment for
further U.N. international efforts there.
Q So if Iran came back to you and said, "This
situation is desperate. We need the same kind of direct U.S.
help that you're giving to the Turkish border," you'd be willing
to do that?
MR. BOUCHER: I can't say at this point. The plan is
to work through the multilateral organization. We've indicated
our willingness to do that. That was in the President's
statement last Friday. That's been communicated to Iran. We'll
have to see back what the assessment of needs is.
[Iraq: Discussion of Relief Efforts]
Q What do you have on the possibility of an enclave
being established in Iraq?
MR. BOUCHER: The Security Council in New York is
examining a number of proposals to provide emergency relief to
displaced persons. We believe the United Nations has a central
role to play, and, based on Resolution 688, it can provide
relief, look at the causes of the plight of the refugees, and
ensure that the Iraqis cooperate with international relief
efforts as they are compelled to do under Resolution 688.
As that resolution stated, Iraq's repression, resulting
in the massive flows of refugees, poses a threat to
international peace and security. Authority to provide relief,
therefore, in our view stems from that resolution.
Q I guess I still don't understand what your answer
to that question is. There's a proposal out there that seems to
be gathering force. The EC endorsed it. Is the United States
going to go along?
MR. BOUCHER: There's a proposal out there that is
being discussed in New York, along with other ideas about how to
help the refugees. We are discussing it with other countries up
in New York. Our view is that Resolution 688 provides authority
to provide these cross-border refugee services. We are in fact
doing so.
Our emphasis, I think, if you'll remember what the
Secretary said in Turkey, was ensuring that these massive relief
flows are undertaken and are undertaken quickly to help people.
So we think that Resolution 688 provides the authority to do
that. If Iraq would refuse to cooperate with this international
effort, we would be willing to look at other options, including
further U.N. action, but we believe that Resolution 688 provides
the authority to get the job done, and that's what we're
concentrating on.
Q Well, Richard, you're talking about cross-border
and other sorts of relief activities. I think the Major plan is
talking about some place to provide security for these people
that would be protected, perhaps, with military force, if
necessary. What's the U.S. view of that?
MR. BOUCHER: At this point, the specific endorsement
of one plan or the other, I think, I don't have for you. Our
view is that the U.N. has the authority on the resolution to get
out there to be doing these relief efforts. We made very clear
when we announced our air drop that we expected Iraq should not
interfere with these operations.
If I remember correctly, that's also part of the United
Nations resolution. It's clear that these people's safety
should be ensured, and that they should be provided with the
relief supplies under Resolution 688, and that's the job that
we're trying to do.
Q Do you see any contradiction between your frequent
support for the territorial integrity of Iraq and such an
internationalized enclave?
MR. BOUCHER: I haven't heard that expressed.
Q Well, I'm asking you if the U.S. Government does
see any contradiction there?
MR. BOUCHER: Again, Jim, I'm not aware that that's
been raised around here.
Q What kind of U.N. Security Council action could be
used? What does the United States envisage of these sorts of
U.N. Security Council actions that could be used if Iraq does
not allow this major humanitarian relief effort to go in? I
mean, are you implying that there could be coalition military
action against Iraq on this, or what -- you have got
sanctions. What else is there you could possibly bring to bear
on the Iraqis?
MR. BOUCHER: At this point I'm not trying to imply
anything in particular, because it remains hypothetical as to
what Iraq might do. The point is that the resolution provides
the authority to go in there to deliver the food and other
supplies to needy people. We are doing that. It provides a
leading role for the United Nations, and it provides that Iraq
should comply with this resolution and permit this to go on
unimpeded. That is what we are doing. If something else
develops, then further U.N. action would be appropriate.
Q The Iraqi Foreign Ministry has already rejected
the Major plan. Does that end it, or is it still possible to go
ahead with such a proposal, even in spite of Iraq's opposition?
MR. BOUCHER: As I said, that idea is still being
discussed up in New York.
Q How do you respond to the Iraqi response at the
U.N. yesterday that the airlift over its territory violates its
airspace and its territorial integrity?
MR. BOUCHER: Well, as I said, the U.N. decided in the
resolution that Iraq's repression has resulted in a massive flow
of refugees; that this flow of refugees and the repression
constitute a threat to international peace and security. The
U.N. resolution is a humanitarian one, and we're carrying out
the job of that resolution to help these people get the food
that they need.
Q Can I just go back to Iran for a minute, Richard.
Before the President and the Secretary both addressed the issue
of Iran and wanting to help refugees anywhere, including Iran,
have the Iranians been in touch through any means to say that
they needed help?
MR. BOUCHER: I don't remember the precise timing. I
know that there were Iranian spokesmen on television, and things
like that, describing the refugee flows and describing their
need for international assistance. But I think the point is
that before last Friday, there were already U.N. activities --
there were already U.S. contributions to the United Nations and
U.N. activities to set up camps in Iran in anticipation of
refugee flows, and there were already U.N. activities and Red
Cross activities in Iran to help them take care of people.
Q Could you look into the question of whether or not
the United States has been approached by Iran through any of its
channels for direct help?
MR. BOUCHER: I'll look into that question. I'm afraid
that one may come back with, "I'm sorry, we don't
comment on the details of our discussions through our protecting
power."
Q What a surprise!
Q Richard, during the major fighting in the
rebellion against Saddam Hussein, you would say that the Iraqi
army had appeared to be moving up toward the Kurdish areas, and
so on. Can you tell us today if they are still there in the
same strength, or have they started moving south, or are there
more attacks? What is the situation on the ground now?
MR. BOUCHER: I don't think we've seen any particular
movement of forces. I've reported on movements in recent days.
The situation today is that some sporadic and relatively
small-scale ground clashes have occurred between government
troops and dissidents in northern and southern Iraq over the
past 24 hours. I think Secretary Cheney described it this
morning as "skirmishes," not heavy fighting.
Q Richard, how would you describe the status of the
fighting now? Some of the Kurdish leaders have said that their
forces are just regrouping and preparing, I guess, for a new
assault. Are you saying that the rebellion is over or --
MR. BOUCHER: I think I just tried to describe the
status of the fighting. I didn't say it was over.
Q No. I realize that, but you also said that it was
sporadic and small-scale clashes. That doesn't sound like major
action to me.
MR. BOUCHER: Well, I'm not saying any major action has
taken place over the past 24 hours, but I'm not declaring it
over.
Q Does the United States regard the refugee flight
other Kurds northward and eastward as a humanitarian problem or
as a political problem?
MR. BOUCHER: We regard it as a massive humanitarian
problem, one that requires a massive response from the
international community, and you're seeing that response as it
proceeds. We also regard it as the U.N. resolution regarded it,
as a threat to international peace and security -- the
repression and the resulting flows of refugees.
Q Richard, what's the view of the United States to
the possible use of U.N., U.S. or other protected refugee
sanctuaries for rebel troops who might later re-engage in
fighting against the Iraqis?
MR. BOUCHER: I guess that's a question that's based on
some variation of an enclave or safe haven idea, and all I
can tell you is that ideas about sanctuary and safe havens are
under discussion up in New York.
Q Richard, yesterday you were going to look into the
claims by the Kurds that they rose up in response to broadcasts
from these clandestine radio stations. Have you looked into
that? Do you see any connection between those radio stations
and any government in the coalition?
MR. BOUCHER: I'm afraid I found out there was nothing
I had to say on the subject, so I didn't say anything.
Q And you were also going to look into the
possibility that the Kurds may have brought up the possibility
of supplying stinger missiles.
MR. BOUCHER: I think we answered that question.
Q I didn't see that. What did you say?
MR. BOUCHER: You can see it later.
Q It's not on the board.
MR. BOUCHER: (To staff) Isn't it, Mark [Dillen]? I
think it is. I think we posted something that described the
meeting.
Q And the fighting still -- yesterday you gave a lot
more detail about this city of Sulaymaniyah where there was
supposed to be heavy fighting and unrest. Are we to take it
then that the situation is unchanged -- the government is still
in control in these areas that you mentioned yesterday; that
there's been no --
MR. BOUCHER: Yes. As far as the situation on the
ground, my understanding is that the presence of forces remains
largely unchanged, and the level of fighting is now the level
that I described.
Q Richard, I think as recently as yesterday you said
that the government was sending more re-enforcements to the
north and yet today you say we haven't seen any particular
movement of troops.
MR. BOUCHER: Over the past 24 hours.
Q And could I --
MR. BOUCHER: I'm not trying to negate what I said
before. There's just nothing new to report on that score.
Q On these large numbers of refugees in Iran, I
think when Margaret briefed last week, she was saying that the
relief agencies had some sort of establishments in southern Iran
and that that's where they were expecting a flow. I'm
assuming with these extremely large numbers -- and you're saying
most of them are Kurds -- that a lot of these people must be in
northern Iran, or in the northern border area there?
MR. BOUCHER: I don't have precise information on that.
I think the update on displaced persons that we put out on
Saturday, mentioned that there were some 20 different camps set
up in Iran.
The situation is that many of the people in the north
are going into Kurdish villages, Kurdish areas, that relief
supplies are being provided there and no separate camps are
being set up. But I don't have precise locations for those
camps. I just haven't been able to get that information.
Q But relief supplies are being provided up there in
the north as well?
MR. BOUCHER: That's right.
Q One of the things that some of the Kurdish leaders
have requested is that the United States take in a number of
Kurdish refugees as asylum or refugee cases. Is there any
consideration being given to that?
MR. BOUCHER: Let me get you a more developed answer on
that. I think the President expressed some willingness to do
that on Friday, and we have, in the past, had numbers under the
refugee program for Iraqis. Let me see if I can find out
exactly where we stand.
Q A related question. My understanding is that the
United States had expressed a willingness to take some of the
65,000 Kurds who fled to Turkey after the gassing in 1988.
MR. BOUCHER: That's right.
Q Three years later, or almost four years later, the
United States hasn't taken any of them and is still in the
process of processing people. I was just wondering if you could
have an update on that?
MR. BOUCHER: Let me see if I can get you an update on
it.
[USSR: Future of the Soviet Republics]
Q Can we move to the Soviet Union, and independence
day in Georgia, possibly?
MR. BOUCHER: The declaration in Georgia. I think I
have to say just what I've said before, that the future of the
Soviet republics is an issue for the peoples involved to decide.
It's a complex question. We hope that it will be resolved
democratically and on the basis of peaceful political
discussions. Only that kind of process will be fully legitimate
and accepted by all parties.
Q While you're on the Soviet Union, has there been
any follow-up on the Gorbachev compromise proposal on CFE? Is
the United States still examining it? Or as some people are
saying, is there some sort of a draft that the United States is
ready to put forward?
MR. BOUCHER: I'll have to check on that. I haven't
checked for a couple of days.
Q Can we go back to the Kurds?
MR. BOUCHER: Yes.
Q For a little more precision to the answer, there's
no movement by Iraqi troops toward the Turkish border today; is
that correct?
MR. BOUCHER: I reported in the past when we saw
movements of Iraqi troops, largely from the south to the north.
I don't have anything like that to report for you today.
Q How far is an offensive force, or army, away from
the bulk of the Kurdish refugees? How many miles or kilometers?
MR. BOUCHER: I have no idea.
Q An estimate?
MR. BOUCHER: I have no idea.
Q Are they in a threatening position?
MR. BOUCHER: I have no idea. Sorry.
Q Have you issued a warning to Iraq that any
violence against these people would receive swift retaliatory
action by U.N. forces? Has there been any warning of any kind?
MR. BOUCHER: The President indicated last week and we
indicated in messages to the Iraqis on Saturday -- I think I
told you yesterday -- that any interference with the
cross-border of the air-drops with the relief effort would not
be permitted.
Q That's the relief effort.
MR. BOUCHER: This is the area where the relief effort
is taking place.
Q So in other words if they come into this region
they can expect to be -- they can expect the unexpected; is that
--
MR. BOUCHER: I can't precisely define every scenario
for you, but we've made very clear that these relief operations
should be allowed to continue, should be allowed to proceed
unimpeded. The U.N. resolution makes clear that Iraq is
expected to cooperate with these efforts.
Q Two more questions on the Soviet Union. There are
reports out of Vilnius today that Soviet paratroopers have taken
over another building which was used by the Lithuanian
government to train its troops, its security forces. Do you
have any status on that, or any comment?
MR. BOUCHER: I just saw the report this morning, and I
don't have anything.
Q And then yesterday there was a question about the
embassy in Moscow. You referred us to this Congressional
hearing which was closed on that portion of the testimony. I
wonder if you have any general --
MR. BOUCHER: I didn't realize it was closed on that
portion. We also put up an answer yesterday afternoon that was
posted. I can get that for you.
Q Richard, can I ask you on Vietnam? Do you have
any readout on the meeting with the Vietnamese U.N.
representative?
MR. BOUCHER: Only that the meetings were underway when
I was preparing to come down here.
Q And another question. The Los Angeles Times is
reporting that an offer has been made if they will help to bring
a speedy end to the Cambodian situation -- that there will be
some improvement and move toward normalization between the
United States and Vietnam. Can you comment on that report?
MR. BOUCHER: I described yesterday the factors that
enter into the consideration of moving towards normalization of
relations with Vietnam. So I think those certainly apply. If
you're talking about something more specific, I guess I can look
for a readout of the meeting.
Q Has anything changed in the U.S. approach toward
relations with Vietnam?
MR. BOUCHER: The basic principles remain. I don't
want to try to prejudge what work on those principles and
movement in those areas might come out of this meeting today.
Q Is there a greater disposition now than there was
before to accelerate the process of normalization?
MR. BOUCHER: I can't describe it one way or the other.
Let me see if we can try to give you some readout on what was
accomplished at the meeting today in proceeding along the lines
that we've laid out in the past.
Q Has the State Department resumed language training
in Vietnamese?
MR. BOUCHER: Let me get you a full answer to that. My
understanding is that we've been training people in Vietnamese
for a decade or so because we've had the Program of Orderly
Departure where officers are assigned in Bangkok and then travel
into Vietnam to help people with their departure. I don't know
the answer to that now.
Q The numbers are higher now, are they not?
MR. BOUCHER: I'll have to check on that.
Q Is it possible -- to go back for a minute on the
Kurds -- to explain why there is such reluctance to endorse this
safe haven idea that America's allies have endorsed?
MR. BOUCHER: First, I didn't say there was reluctance
to endorse it. I said it was something that we were discussing
with our allies, and we'll continue to work out whatever steps
are appropriate at the United Nations. I think the important
point is the point that the Secretary made when he was in
Turkey, which is that there is human suffering; there is a
massive relief effort required.
We think that Resolution 688 provides the grounds for
going ahead with that relief effort into northern Iraq; that the
U.N. has a central role to play; and under Resolution 688, has
the authority that is necessary to go in and play that role in
providing relief and ensuring that the Iraqis cooperate. So
it's basically a matter of, we've got the authority to do the
job; let's go do the job. And then whatever else is needed,
we'll continue to discuss with other countries.
Q Does that mean that the United States is opposed
to the idea?
MR. BOUCHER: I didn't say reluctance, I didn't say
oppose --
Q I know. I'm asking --
MR. BOUCHER: All I said was, we're discussing it.
Q But is there opposition to that idea?
MR. BOUCHER: I didn't say that. I said that it's
something we're discussing at this point --
Q That's why I'm asking.
MR. BOUCHER: I'm not going to characterize a reaction
to something that has to be discussed before it's formally put
on the table.
Q So there's no opposition; there's nothing in
favor. You're just discussing it and seeing where it's going to
go?
MR. BOUCHER: And we think that Resolution 688 provides
the authority to do what's necessary to help these people --
Q So that's the U.S. position that is being --
MR. BOUCHER: That is the focus and the emphasis that
we're putting on it right now.
Q I see.
Q What are the arguments against establishing an
enclave?
MR. BOUCHER: I'm not arguing one way or the other,
George. I'm not going to get into debating some idea that's
been reported in various ways at various times in the press.
[Iraq: Establishing Asylum for Kurds]
Q Does Resolution 688, though, give you authority to
go this extra step and establish a safe haven?
MR. BOUCHER: I think the point of Resolution 688 is
that it provides authority to provide relief supplies to needy
people, whether they're on one side of the border or on the
other. We're doing that. We are providing those supplies. We
have a U.N. role in doing that inside Iraq. We are supporting
the U.N.'s efforts to undertake that role. We also, at the same
time, have a resolution which -- I don't have the exact text
with me -- but which basically says that Iraq should cooperate
and not interfere with those efforts.
That means that the people who we are providing
supplies to should not be interfered with.
Q Is there any authority, be it that resolution or
some other statement, that gives authority for a safe haven?
MR. BOUCHER: It really depends on what you call "safe
haven."
Q That's kind of the point maybe of part of the
thing that's been proposed, the concept of a buffer zone which
implies something more than simply protecting border relief
efforts. I guess the question is, do you believe 688 provides
authority for that type of a concept, or do you reject that
concept? Or is that, in fact, what's under discussion?
MR. BOUCHER: The question of the buffer zone is, on
the one hand, discussed as a matter of fact for the situation in
the south where there will be a U.N. Observer Force and there
will be assistance for refugees down there.
As I said, the idea of a safe haven, an enclave, a
buffer zone, has been discussed in various ways at various
times. It's something that we are discussing with our allies up
in New York. But I think the important point for us remains
that Resolution 688 provides the authority for relief;
basically, protected delivery of relief by U.N. agencies and
others into northern Iraq, and that's what we want to do.
Q Your willingness to enter into discussions about
an enclave would suggest that you are not necessarily concerned
about the territorial integrity of Iraq; is that right? You're
not concerned. Maybe that's a little harsh, but that you're
willing to negotiate that point or discuss it or address it?
MR. BOUCHER: The territorial integrity of Iraq
involves the question of the political makeup, or the future
dismemberment of Iraq. That's certainly something we respect.
We have here an international problem, a humanitarian
problem. We're working to deal with that problem to help these
people.
Q Are you suggesting, in repeating the provisions of
688, that they are open to wide interpretation -- that the
resolution is open to wide interpretation? That the protection
of refugees could be carried out under this resolution in some
sort of a safe enclosure, haven, buffer zone, what-have-you, and
be protected? And if there's any interference, or any attempts
at interference by Iraq, that the U.N. resolution -- or that
this resolution, and the other one, also provides the
possibility that there could be military retaliation?
MR. BOUCHER: Let me go back to exactly what I said. I
said that Resolution 688 -- based on Resolution 688, the U.N.
has a central role to play to provide relief, to look at the
causes of the plight of the refugees, and to ensure that the
Iraqis cooperate with international efforts.
If the Iraqis refuse to cooperate with international
relief efforts, we would be willing to look at other options,
including further U.N. action.
Q Can we go to another area?
MR. BOUCHER: Be glad to.
Q Could you briefly characterize what reactions the
Baghdad government has had? Have they refused to participate or
said that they don't want these types of relief operations going
on? What reasons would exist to believe that there would be
interference by Baghdad?
MR. BOUCHER: I can't characterize their reaction at
this point. I'm not going to try to speak on their behalf.
Q Let me ask about another issue which is developing
in northeast Asia. As you may know, Soviet President Mikhail
Gorbachev, for the first time, will visit Seoul, Korea, to have
a summit talk with South Korean President Roh just after his
visit to Japan next week.
What is your comment on this new development? What
kind of impact does it have on the U.S.-South Korean relations?
MR. BOUCHER: I have no particular comment at this
point. I'll see if we can get you something later.
Jan.
[Nicaragua: National Reconciliation and Investigations of
Bermudez Killing]
Q The contras. There's a big piece in today's
Washington Post suggesting that there are new contras, or
re-contras. What do you have on this? What can you enlighten
us with?
MR. BOUCHER: We have a new phrase. No, I don't have a
new phrase, actually. We support President Chamorro's policy of
national reconciliation. All sectors of Nicaraguan society
should refrain from violence and contribute to national
reconciliation.
We have been aware for some time of unrest in rural
Nicaragua, centering around competing land claims, unclear
titles to land, uncoordinated land giveaways in the last days of
the Sandinista regime, and the presence of armed Sandinista
cooperatives all complicate this situation.
The tensions in rural Nicaragua have led to reports
that in some cases former members of the Resistance have
rearmed. We hope Nicaraguans will work together to remove all
the causes of that tension so that national reconciliation can
be achieved.
Q Richard, is the United States satisfied with the
handling of the Enrique Bermudez killing so far?
MR. BOUCHER: We have supported the efforts of the
Government of Nicaragua -- I mean, just endorse, let me say
rather than material support. The Nicaraguan police continue to
investigate the case. President Chamorro has named an
independent commission to oversee the investigation and to
report on it.
Mrs. Bermudez met separately with Assistant Secretary
Aronson and Assistant Secretary Schifter yesterday to present
her views on the case, and both Aronson and Schifter reiterated
our call for a thorough investigation of the killing of Enrique
Bermudez.
Q Thank you.
(Press briefing concluded at 1:15 p.m.)