The Role of the International Community

USA

USA's Position in April 1994

The USA was not concerned over the situation in Rwanda.

"... I mention it only because there are a sizable number of Americans there and it is a very tense situation. And I just want to assure the families of those who are there that we are doing everything we possible can to be on top of the situation to take all the appropriate steps to try to assure the safety of our citizens there." (president Bill Clinton's statement to the press on April 8, 1994)

The USA did not publicly declare the Rwandan crisis to be a genocide.

"...the use of the term 'genocide' has a very precise legal meaning, although it's not strictly a legal determination. There are other factors in there as well." (State Department spokeswoman Christine Shelley, April 28, 1994)

USA's Position in May 1994

The USA decided to limit its involvement in international peacekeeping operations in Rwanda.

"When I wake up every morning and look at the headlines and the stories and the images on television of these conflicts, I want to work to end every conflict. I want to work to save every child out there. And I know the president does, and I know the American people do. But neither we nor the international community have the resources nor the mandate to do so. So we have to make distinctions. We have to ask the hard questions about where and when we can intervene. And the reality is that we cannot often solve other people's problems; we can never build their nations for them ..." (press briefing given by Anthony Lake, National Security Advisor, May 5, 1994)

"... The United States has been a driving force in the provision of humanitarian assistance, in condemning the violence and in trying to organize a U.N. mission designed not simply to promise, but to deliver what it promises. Sending a U.N. force into the maelstrom in Rwanda without a sound plan of operations would be folly ... The resolution adopted last night requires the Secretary-General to report back before the next phase of deployment begins ... these choices are not easy ones. Emotions can produce wonderful speeches and stirring op-ed pieces. But emotions alone cannot produce policies that will achieve what they promise. If we do not keep commitments in line with capabilities, we will only further undermine U.N. credibility and support. The actions authorized last night will help. They may save lives. But ultimately, the future of Rwanda is in Rwandan hands." (statement of Madeleine Albright at Capitol Hill on Security Council resolution and the position of the USA, MAy 17, 1994)

Statements and Interviews

• Remarks of President Clinton to the people of Rwanda (his remarks to the people of rwanda on his trip to Africa)
• Gloriosa Uwimpuhwe (genocide survivor that talked to President Clinton on his trip to Africa)
• James Woods (Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the Department of Defense from 1986-1994)
• Tony Marley (Political Military Advisor for the U.S. State Department from 1992-95)

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