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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release July 16, 1994

Statement by the Press Secretary

The White House announced today that the President has asked U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Brian J. Atwood to travel to the Rwandan border regions in his capacity as Special Coordinator for International Disaster Assistance. Mr. Atwood will assess relief efforts for the victims of the crisis in Rwanda and the need for enhanced assistance caused by the recent wave of new refugees across the border from Rwanda to Zaire and the increased numbers of displaced persons within Rwanda itself. Mr. Atwood will arrive in Goma, Zaire, on Monday.

The White House reaffirmed its commitment to assist the humanitarian relief effort with food, medicine and other supplies. Since the start of the current crisis in Rwanda in April, the United States has provided a total of about $100 million, including support for 100 airlift missions. Another 80 missions will be undertaken in the short-term.

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