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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release April 30, 1994

                    RADIO MESSAGE BY THE PRESIDENT
                      ON THE SITUATION IN RWANDA
             
                           The Oval Office

11:20 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: The horrors of civil war and mass killings of civilians in Rwanda, since the tragic deaths of the Rwandan and Burundian Presidents three weeks ago, have shocked and appalled the world community.

On behalf of all of the American people, I call on the Rwandan army and the Rwandan Patriotic Front to agree to an immediate cease-fire and return to negotiations aimed at a lasting peace in their country.

I applaud the efforts of regional leaders actively engaged in the quest for peace. I reaffirm the American commitment to participate in renewed negotiations under the Arusha framework.

The pain and suffering of the Rwandan people have touched the hearts of all Americans. It is time for the leaders of Rwanda to recognize their common bond of humanity and to reject the senseless and criminal violence that continues to plague their country.

END11:21 A.M. EDT