For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 27, 2002
Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
September 26, 2002
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
On September 19, 2002, a mutiny and rebellion took place in the
West African country of Cote d'Ivoire that threatened American citizens
living there. Fighting erupted between the mutineers and government
forces.
On September 24, 2002, a standby evacuation force of U.S. military
personnel from the U.S. European Command was pre-positioned in Accra,
Ghana, to assist with the evacuation of U.S. citizens from Cote
d'Ivoire and with any other contingencies that might emerge. These
forces initially included approximately 180 soldiers, fixed-wing
aircraft, and equipment.
On September 25, 2002, U.S. forces moved into Cote d'Ivoire to
assist French forces with the evacuation of American citizens and third
country nationals from Bouake. This included children from the
International Christian Academy as well as Peace Corps Volunteers,
faculty, and missionaries. United States forces will also assist in
the evacuation of other American citizens and third country nationals
in Cote d'Ivoire, should their evacuation become necessary.
Although U.S. forces are equipped for combat, this movement was
undertaken solely for the purpose of protecting American citizens and
property. United States forces will redeploy as soon as it is
determined that this mission is completed.
I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to
conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief
Executive. I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep
the Congress informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution.
I appreciate the support of the Congress in this action in Cote
d'Ivoire.
Sincerely,
GEORGE W. BUSH
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