US Department of State Daily Briefing,#70:
Monday: 4/29/91
Boucher
Source: State Department Deputy Spokesman Richard
Boucher
Description: 12:35 PM, Washington, DC
Date: Apr 29, 19914/29/91
Region: MidEast/North Africa
Country: Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey, Ethiopia, El Salvador,
Cambodia, Iran, Saudi Arabia
Subject: Regional/Civil Unrest, Development/Relief Aid,
Refugees, United Nations, Trade/Economics,
Military Affairs
(ON THE RECORD UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
MR. BOUCHER: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. If I can,
let me start off by giving you the update on various refugee relief
efforts.
[Iraq: Refugee Update]
Turkey
The numbers of refugees in Turkey or near the border has
stabilized. You remember those numbers from last Friday were
about 453,000 inside Turkey and 400,000 near the border inside
Iraq.
With the establishment of reliable delivery systems for relief
supplies and medical assistance, camp conditions are improving
though much remains to be done.
International organizations, such as the U.N. High Commissioner
for Refugees, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the
League of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and numerous
American and foreign private voluntary organizations are
coordinating relief activities and working in Turkey to upgrade the
relief services being provided to the refugees.
We have one commentary from the Danish private humanitarian
relief organization Danish Church Aid, they said that U.S.
intervention and assistance to aid the Iraqi refugees in Turkey has
immediately made the work of the emergency assistance
organizations easier. And that based on the U.S. mobilization, there
is more control and a number of procedures have been improved in
that area. So things are looking up as far as how it's working.
Thousands of tons of relief supplies, donated by the U.S. and
other Western nations, are arriving daily and are being distributed
to the needy populations.
The International Committee of the Red Cross is currently
carrying out medical and relief operations in northern Iraq for the
displaced population. In addition to the dispensary that they set
up near Kani Masi last week, the ICRC is now present in the two
cities of Irbil and Dohuk.
Water-borne illnesses resulting from contaminated water
supplies continue to be the primary cause of illness among the
refugee population. In northern Iraq, ICRC sanitation experts
are focusing their efforts on re-establishing safe water
supplies. U.S. military and coalition forces working with
private voluntary organizations and international organizations
are working to improve main water supplies in southern Turkey
and at temporary relief refugee sites in Iraq.
Since April 7, the U.S. and multinational military
forces have delivered 9,999.9 -- let's say about 10,000 -- tons
of relief supplies to refugee sites in Turkey and northern Iraq
near the border. Combined task force personnel have nearly
completed the construction of the temporary refugee center near
Zakhu which will accommodate about 25,000 people when it's
finally completed. I think the latest count last night was over
1,000 tents in the area. We expect final completion of the site
in about 2 or 3 days.
The second temporary refugee site, 9 miles east of
al-Amadiyah, has been identified. I think we told you about
that last week. Construction on this site will begin later this
week. This facility will also be built to accommodate about
25,000 people.
The first transfer of refugees to the camp near Zakhu
began this weekend. In addition, a small number of Iraqi
refugees have begun to move out of the mountains and down into
Iraq. We don't have information about exact numbers at this
time.
United Nations officials plan to be in Zakhu tomorrow
to establish a U.N. presence at the camp and to survey what is
needed for the U.N. to take over camp management. We want the
transition to be as smooth as possible and intend to work
closely with the United Nations in this regard.
There were some reports the refugees were being
involuntarily returned to Iraq. These are unfounded. The
Turkish government continues to move about 3,000 refugees daily
from mountainous sites at Isikveren to two camps near Silopi and
Semdinli. Camps will house about 20,000 people each and will be
used to provide assistance to the most vulnerable; that is, to
the sick, the elderly, and to children.
Iran
In Iran: Numbers are, again, stabilized at about the
same place. A million have entered Iran and about 500,000
people are located at or near the border. The Iranian Red
Crescent Society is now providing shelter and assistance to over
500,000 refugees in 56 camps. A breakdown of those camps:
There are 20 located in Bakhtaran Province, 25 situated in
Kurdistan Province, and 11 camps are located in west Azerbaijan.
Since the onset of the refugee influx, the Iranian Red
Crescent Society has ferried tons of relief supplies to
distribution points along the border, getting to that very
vulnerable population there.
The International Red Cross has sent over 8,000 tons of
relief supplies, including food, family tents, blankets, and
kitchen sets to Iran and continues to distribute over 80 tons of
food daily to several hundred thousand refugees. The ICRC is
also working in the border area to provide assistance to
affected villages.
As I think you all know, a U.S. Air Force C-141 arrived
in Iran on Saturday. It was carrying 31,125 pounds of blankets
donated by U.S. humanitarian relief organizations. I'll note in
passing here that the number that we have been using from the
Defense Department on the pounds of blankets last week turned
out not to be the one that was actually aboard the flight. I
think we corrected it late Friday.
At this time, we don't have any specifics to describe
to you how the turnover went in Tehran. We will provide
additional information, of course, when it becomes available.
Last week, the White House announced that the President
had authorized an additional $10 million to be drawn down from
the Emergency Refugee ∧ Migration Assistance Fund. We've now
allocated substantial portions of that. Five million is being
contributed to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees; 4
million to the International Committee of the Red Cross for
relief activities that those organizations are carrying on in
Iran, Turkey, and Iraq.
Southern Iraq
In southern Iraq: U.S. military forces continue to
provide assistance and protection to Iraqi displaced persons and
local civilians in the demilitarized zone.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabian government, with assistance from U.S.
military forces, is constructing a refugee camp in Saudi Arabia
near the northern Saudi town of Rafha. The refugees who
voluntarily choose to leave Iraq will be provided with free
military air transportation to this new temporary refugee camp.
The Saudi government will be responsible for administering the
camp.
Those who choose to stay in Iraq will be provided water
and a final ration of food stuffs when U.S. forces depart. All
people are currently completely free to make their own choices
in this regard.
We estimate now there are about 10,000 refugees in the
area of Safwan, and there are some others that I don't have the
numbers on.
This action will allow the U.S. forces to continue the
redeployment schedule that was being executed prior to receiving
the mission of providing security to the refugees in the area.
After the refugees have been relocated and their safety is
ensured, the U.S. forces will be withdrawn from the area and
processed for redeployment.
To date, the International Organization for Migration
has moved 1,633 Iraqi refugees from southern Iraq to Iran. An
additional flight carrying about 300 refugees is scheduled for
later today.
That's about it, in terms of the updates. So I'd be
glad to take your questions. George.
Q Are more relief flights planned for Iran? And are
you continuing your contacts with the Iranians through the
Swiss?
MR. BOUCHER: At this point, I don't have anything new
for you on contacts. As far as more flights, we've said all
along that that was a possibility based on the needs and based
on how this flight goes. We're waiting for some people who were
on this flight to come back to Washington so that we can talk to
them before making any further decisions.
Q Richard, there used to be many more refugees in
the area of southern Iraq. You've talked about 10,000 today and
about 1,500 or so that had gone to Iran, on the way to Iran.
What has happened to the remaining 14,000-15,000?
MR. BOUCHER: There is another camp, or set of camps
that I wasn't able to get updated information on exactly where
those populations are going and where they're located today.
What I said today was partial on what some of the populations
are and where they're moving. I don't have a complete picture
of that this morning.
Q There is a witness in all of this activity in
northern Iraq. How do you assess the status of Iraq from the
point of their territorial integrity and their political unity?
MR. BOUCHER: I don't really have that kind of
assessment for you today. I think you know the United States
has always supported the territorial integrity of Iraq. We've
always described our operations there as temporary, as
humanitarian in nature. Many of the things the United Nations
is doing are being done not only under the obligations of Iraq
not to interfere in the U.N. Security Council resolution --
under that authority -- but also under agreements that they have
reached with Iran.
Q According to reliable Kurdish sources, the Turkish
government is sending settlers into northern Iraq in an effort
to change the demographic character of the area. Do you have
any comment on that since that affects directly your
humanitarian efforts over there?
MR. BOUCHER: I have not seen anything like that. If
the intention is to talk about these reports that there were
people being sent involuntarily into northern Iraq, I think I
just said that those are unfounded.
Q Voluntarily, you said, or --
MR. BOUCHER: Involuntarily. There were some reports
that people were being sent involuntarily into Iraq.
Q Do you know how many Turks are living today in
Iraq?
MR. BOUCHER: No.
Q Can you check for me?
MR. BOUCHER: I assume that information is publicly
available. If we have it, we'll share it with you.
Q Richard, I understand the U.S. position is that
you set up the refugee camps in northern Iraq and when the
United Nations teams and the international relief organizations
can take over the American military efforts, the American troops
will be out of the country.
Have we received your information or policy in this
room, Richard? How long will the international relief efforts
continue with regard to giving safe haven to the Kurds in
northern Iraq, even after the takeover by the U.N. organizations
has taken place?
MR. BOUCHER: I don't have anything on timeframes for
that. The purpose of this effort by us and by the United
Nations is to take care of people who are outside their homes. I
think we've all said that it's eventually hoped that conditions
can be created so that these people will return to their homes.
Part of the U.N. agreements with Iraq was to facilitate that
happening: To provide certain U.N. monitoring, way stations,
various kinds of assistance that the U.N. would provide in order
to help these people as they head back home. But I don't really
have a timeframe or a definitive conclusion for you to that
whole effort.
Q And the United Nations doesn't have a timeframe
either?
MR. BOUCHER: Not that I've heard them say. You might
check with them if you want to ask. Chris.
Q Do you have anything on these reports that Kurdish
fighters are in some cases blocking the flow of refugees in
northern Iraq, and to the camps, in particular, I guess?
MR. BOUCHER: That's something that would obviously be
of concern to us. It's something that we are looking into. We
would certainly not want anybody to oppose the decisions of
refugees to go into the camps. So my understanding via the
Defense Department from the people on the ground is that Kurdish
leaders and members of the Pesh Merga have gone to review the
security measures at the camps; that they are satisfied that
it's safe to begin the movement of families down to the area
around Zakhu and that movement, in greater numbers, will begin
soon. Our people in the field are having other meetings with
the leaders -- I guess they're called the Elders -- today to
discuss the coordination of that move.
Q Richard, it's not clear from the answer on the
question posted since April 26 about the Iranian delegation that
came to this country to attend the IMF meetings. Did they ask
to see officials of the State Department and were rejected, or
did they not ask?
MR. BOUCHER: I'm not aware of any requests. These are
routine meetings that happen with the international lending
institutions that are located in Washington. We have an
obligation under the agreements with those institutions to let
people come here and talk to them. But this happens annually or
semi-annually. I'm not aware of any requests to see us.
Q Do you have any comment on the talks between the
Iranians and the Syrians in Damascus?
MR. BOUCHER: No, I don't.
Q Has the Secretary responded in any way to the
developments in Israel over the weekend, the Levy proposal being
basically scuttled?
MR. BOUCHER: Not that I'm aware of.
Q Can you respond? Do you have anything on it?
MR. BOUCHER: The next step on the peace process issues
is I think what Margaret put out in her statement as the team
was heading back to Washington, and, when the Secretary gets
back to Washington, he'll talk to the President about what are
the appropriate next steps. So I don't have anything that would
move it beyond that.
Q But there have been developments since that
statement was released on the plane.
MR. BOUCHER: Well, I'm a little hampered here,
because, just as many of your colleagues who were on the trip
haven't shown up today, so too, many of the officials who work
these issues for us have not.
At this point, the decisions on the next steps will be
made by the Secretary and the President when they get a chance
to meet after the Secretary returns from Houston, and I just
don't have anything that would advance it beyond what Margaret
said.
Q Richard, do you have anything on reports that Iraq
is attempting to rebuild its military?
MR. BOUCHER: There are reports that say that there is
some sort of network being established in Jordan. Frankly, we
don't have any evidence of that. Generally, the possibility
that Iraq might try to rebuild its arsenal is a source of
concern to us.
We think we've been vigilant in pursuing any leads or
information that Iraq may be trying to break the arms embargo.
So far we've seen no evidence that they've succeeded in doing
so. The United Nations Security Council ceasefire resolution
has specifically called for the arms embargo on Iraq to remain
in effect, and we continue to work with other governments to
ensure that the embargo remains effective.
Q China and North Korea are mentioned as two
countries which have been possibly supplying spare parts or
ammunition or other things of that nature to Iraq lately. Any
reports of these two countries? Have we talked to these two
countries?
MR. BOUCHER: Well, as I said, as for the idea that
there was some sort of Iraqi network operating out of Jordan to
obtain supplies from these countries or other places, we really
don't have any evidence of that.
We have discussed arms shipments to the Middle East
with the Chinese, and we've also conveyed our views in the past
to the North Koreans.
Q Do you have anything on reports in Israel that the
United States is arranging political asylum for Mengistu?
MR. BOUCHER: No.
[Ethiopia: Update on Insurgency; Americans Depart]
Q And do you have any comments or any updates on the
situation in Ethiopia?
MR. BOUCHER: I don't remember when we used the rundown
on the fighting, but let me give it to you. I think you may
find this somewhat similar to what we had last week -- maybe
updated a little bit.
To review, the Tigrayan insurgents began a new
offensive about February 23. It has forced the Ethiopian
government troops out of two more provinces, Gonder and Gojam,
and out of most of a third, the province of Welega.
Nearly all of the northern third of Ethiopia is under
the control of the Tigrayan and Eritrean insurgent groups.
Fighting is concentrated in Walega and along the Red Sea north
of Asseb. We have seen press reports that Tigrayan rebels
withdrew from Ambo, a town about 65 miles west of Addis Ababa
which they reportedly captured last week, but we can't confirm
that that has taken place. We're not really in a position to
predict what course the war will take.
As you know, last week we ordered departure for
additional U.S. personnel. Embassy employees and private
citizens were scheduled to depart Addis on Sunday by commercial
aircraft. We understand that another group of private citizens
is expected to depart today.
Q So there's no deal between the U.S. and Mengistu
to allow Jewish emigration from Ethiopia?
MR. BOUCHER: Senator Rudy Boschwitz was in Ethiopia
over the weekend. I think you'll remember the White House
announced the trip last week. He was there to discuss primarily
the issue of immigration by Ethiopian Jews -- the Falashas -- to
Israel. He did discuss this issue as well as the general
situation with President Mengistu and other officials there. At
this point I don't have a further readout for you. We'll look
to his return to get a more detailed readout.
Q There's no quid pro quo that says, you know,
"We'll look after you if you look after them."
MR. BOUCHER: I know nothing about these reports that
there might have been some offer. I've seen nothing to indicate
that, but as far as getting a full readout of Senator
Boschwitz's discussion, I don't have that yet until they return.
Q Richard, I have about three questions on Iraq.
Number one, Iraq has sent another letter to the IAEA, the
International Atomic Energy Agency. Do you have any reaction
yet on the latest letter?
MR. BOUCHER: No. I just saw that this morning, the
reports that there had been another letter. I don't have
anything here for you now.
Q And also Turkey's President today was calling for
a long-term allied present in Iraq. Today he is saying that.
MR. BOUCHER: I hadn't seen those reports.
Q Well, the U.S. reaction to a long-term --
MR. BOUCHER: I'm not about to comment on reports that
I haven't seen. I think you've seen the way we've described our
presence. You've seen the way that we've described our efforts
as efforts to get the relief to the people who need it, when
they need and where they need it.
Q And, number three, could you elaborate a little
bit on what the U.N. is going to be doing tomorrow to establish
its presence there, if you can avoid saying the word "tomorrow"?
MR. BOUCHER: No.
Q Can you explain what it is that they would be
doing and what --
MR. BOUCHER: I think I explained our understanding of
what they're doing. If you want to know more about what they're
doing, you'll have to get it from them.
Q Do you have anything on Administration thinking on
lifting the sanctions against Iraq?
MR. BOUCHER: Our general thinking, I think, has been
explained several times by the President and the Secretary. If
you're talking about specifically there was a request that Iraq
made to the Sanctions Committee to be allowed to export some oil
so that they could buy some things that they thought were
needed.
Our understanding is that the Sanctions Committee will
meet again on Tuesday morning. That when the Sanctions
Committee initially considered the request on April 19, members
of the Committee raised a number of questions and concerns. The
matter was deferred until all those questions and concerns could
be satisfactorily addressed. Presumably, there will be a
further discussion tomorrow of these issues.
Q Is there any relation between the U.S. position
towards lifting the sanctions and the remaining of Saddam Hussein
in office?
MR. BOUCHER: Our concerns about the lifting of the
sanctions, I think the Secretary said that the policies and
practices of the regime in Baghdad -- Saddam Hussein -- were
certainly a matter of concern. They are indicated in the U.N.
resolution that policies and practices, as well as the
implementations of the resolution, are a matter of concern. I
don't remember the exact quote from the Secretary, but I think I
can get that for you.
Q Do you have anything on reports from Bangkok that
the United States has decided to release $7 million in aid to
the non-Communist components of the resistance?
MR. BOUCHER: I believe this was discussed in recent
congressional testimony. We have been restructuring our Fiscal
Year 1991 program for assistance to the Cambodian non-Communist
Resistance to focus primarily on the humanitarian needs of the
civilian population in areas that the non-Communist Resistance
controls. We're now talking to key congressional members and to
the staff on the Hill about the details of the assistance, and
it is our intention to begin the program.
The continuing medical needs, as well as the increased
need for food aid due to the current drought, make it clear that
this kind of assistance is badly needed. Moreover, with the
temporary ceasefire set to begin on May 1 and a meeting of the
Cambodian Supreme National Council to follow shortly thereafter,
we believe that a program focused on humanitarian assistance and
support for a transition to the political process is even more
appropriate now.
Q What about this $7 million figure that was cited?
MR. BOUCHER: The amount of assistance is $7 million.
It's a program for non-Communist areas that would be exclusively
for non-military purposes. In implementing the program, we're
asking that civilian supervision be used to the greatest extent
possible and be expanded as the program continues. We intend to
support the non-Communist medical program, food needs,
community
development and activities related to democratic pluralism. We
will also cover expenses associated with efforts to achieve a
comprehensive political settlement and aid program
administration in operation.
Q Well, was there expansion, and was there a listing
of the suspension?
MR. BOUCHER: The program for 1991 had not been
disbursed, and we did a restructuring of the program, and it's
now our intention to begin the new program as it's been
restructured.
Q Why was it suspended?
MR. BOUCHER: There were monies from previous years
that were disbursed into the early part of this year, and the
annual 1991 money hadn't been disbursed yet.
Q Therefore, there was no formal suspension of aid.
MR. BOUCHER: I'd have to get the specifics on what the
time lag is, and that sort of thing. I don't know that.
Q In other words, was the bottom line, was any of
this money held up because of the U.S. regarding the Cambodian
government, and was that a part of the hold-up in the funds?
MR. BOUCHER: I'll have to get you something further on
the factors that led to the restructuring.
Q I believe that issue has to do with U.S.
determination that the non-Communists were cooperating, however
indirectly, with the Khmer Rouge.
MR. BOUCHER: Again, I don't have the full explanation
for you. I think Dick Solomon has done this in testimony, and
rather than winging it off the top of my head, I'd just rather
get the full brief on it.
Q So you're taking that question, right?
Q (Inaudible) -- 1992 aid. I mean, my understanding
was the $25 million was supposed to be --
MR. BOUCHER: Our requests for 1992 aid have already
been sent to the Hill. I don't remember exactly what's in there
for Cambodia, but that should be a matter of public record
already.
Q Richard, there is a foreign gentleman visiting the
United States today by the name of Mr. Konstantine Glyxburg who
insists calling himself "King of Greece." He is going to give a
speech tomorrow in Atlanta on the political future of Greece.
My question is, with what type of visa is Mr. Glyxburg
presently in the United States, where was his visa issued, under
what name was the visa issued, what nation's passport was the
visa issued on, and do you provide him any privileges or special
protection?
MR. BOUCHER: My answer is I have no idea. I'll have
to check.
Q It's very important. Can you check for me?
MR. BOUCHER: O.K. I will check.
Q Going back to Southeast Asia, do you have anything
in reaction to reports that France and other countries are
pressing the United States to stop blocking multilateral
assistance to Vietnam?
MR. BOUCHER: I hadn't seen those reports.
Q The reports appeared from Hanoi last week --
Thursday or Friday.
MR. BOUCHER: I'm sorry. I just don't have anything on
it.
[El Salvador]
Q How about the El Salvador talks? Have you got
anything?
MR. BOUCHER: Salvador talks. It seems there's been
some major steps forward.
We see the agreement signed Saturday in Mexico City as
a major step forward. Both sides showed flexibility and the
will to reach agreement on a set of constitutional amendments on
difficult issues such as the role of the armed forces, judicial
and electoral reform. We urge both sides to return to the table
as soon as possible to agree on a ceasefire.
The FMLN made a commitment last month to the EC foreign
ministers to reach a ceasefire agreement by May 30. There is no
reason for one more Salvadoran to die in a conflict that is
within reach of final settlement.
Q Richard, do you have anything on the Philippine
talks? I mean, the base talks with the Philippines?
MR. BOUCHER: They'll be starting again this week, but
I don't have anything on it. No.
Q Richard, do you have information if the hostage
problem is on the agenda of the Syrian and Iranian Presidents?
MR. BOUCHER: That's a question you'll have to ask
them.
Q What I understand is that you must follow the
events, because it relates to hostages, among them the
Americans.
MR. BOUCHER: Obviously, we're very, very concerned
about our hostages in Lebanon. We've urged all people with
influence to use it to see to their immediate and safe release,
but I will take the lines the Secretary took when he discussed
this during the trip, and that's, "I'm not going to discuss it."
Q Thank you.
MR. BOUCHER: Thank you.
(The briefing concluded at 1:02 p.m.)