Bill Clinton: “Good morning. As I've said many times, America is the world's indispensable nation, the one the world looks to for…”

“Good morning. As I've said many times, America is the world's indispensable nation, the one the world looks to for leadership because of our strength and our values. This week I've taken two important decisions that are part of America's responsibilities in the world. The first is agreement, in principle, for our troops to take limited part in a mission to ease the suffering in Zaire. The second is approval, again in principle, for our troops to be part of a follow-on security presence in Bosnia. Today I want to tell you why our role in these missions matters. Two years ago, following genocide in Rwanda, more than a million Rwandan refugees fled for Zaire. Recently their plight has worsened as fighting among militant forces has driven them from their camps. Relief agencies have been unable to provide food and water. Disease is breaking out. As the world's most powerful nation, we cannot turn our back when so many people, especially so many innocent children, are at mortal risk. That is why, when Canada proposed to lead an international humanitarian force, I agreed that, under appropriate circumstances, America would participate. I've set out clear conditions for American participation to minimize risk and give our troops the best possible chance to make a difference. The mission's aim must be to speed delivery of humanitarian aid and to help refugees who want to go home.…”