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US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
OFFICE OF THE SPOKESMAN
TAKEN QUESTIONS AT PRESS BRIEFING OF NOVEMBER 3, 1993
1. SOMALIA: US POLICY ON DISARMING FIGHTERS
Q. How does the current U.S. policy of support for disarming the
clans in Somalia square with the Administration's policy last
spring that U.S. troops would not engage in disarmament
actions?
A. Our position on disarmament has not changed. We have always
recognized that disarmament should be part of Somalia's
political reconciliation process. We have consistently urged
that the best way to achieve reconciliation is for the Somalis
themselves to carry out the Addis Ababa Accords, where they
agreed to disarm.
2. HUNGARY: MEDIA TURMOIL
Q. What is your comment on the current turmoil over control of
Hungary's electronic media?
A. The situation at Hungarian television and radio is very
confusing right now with a number of charges and
counter-charges.
During Secretary Christopher's recent trip to Budapest, he
stressed the importance of a free press to democratic societies.
He also noted the critical role of television and radio in the
dissemination of objective information.
As a matter of policy, we believe all segments of a society
should have access to the electronic media and that citizens
have a right to fair, balanced and uncensored news coverage.
3. HAITI: MISSION OF U.S. SHIP AND TROOPS
Q. What is the purpose of the U.S. Navy ship and the Marines aboard
that ship near Haitian water?
A. The U.S. Navy ship (USS Nassau) currently in international waters
near Haiti serves as the command and control platform for the
Joint Task Force Commander, Rear Admiral Gehman, in enforcing
sanctions on Haiti.
The approximately 600 U.S. Marines aboard that ship are the
stand-by force for the mission directed by the President on
October 16 to protect the lives of U.S. citizens in Haiti
should the need arise.
4. HAITI: SANCTIONS
Q. Last time there were sanctions against individual Haitians who the
U.S. deemed to be blocking a return to democracy, there were more
than the 41 people on the current list. Why?
A. The previous list was longer because it included officials of the
de facto government which was then holding office. TodayÕs situation
is different -- the Haitian Government led by Prime Minister Malval
is legitimate and constitutional. We do not place sanctions against
him and his appointees.
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