THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 14, 1994 TAG: 9409140485
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A4 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
Sen. Charles S. Robb, Democrat
Unavailable for comment Tuesday but has been supportive of the Clinton administration's efforts to remove Haiti's military dictatorship. In a debate with other Senate candidates last week, Robb argued that the United States is ``now in a position where it seems to me that we have no choice but to move ahead. We have drawn a line in the sand. . . . I think that we need to do this. We need to do it quickly. It will be unpopular. It will be difficult. There are no easy solutions, but if the president asks for authorization, I will give it. If he goes it alone, I'll support him.''
Sen. John W. Warner, Republican
As vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Warner said he has been briefed regularly on the situation in Haiti and the administration's plans; he praised the administration for maintaining a dialogue with Congress.
But Warner said he has told Vice President Al Gore and other officials he believes ``that it would not be in the U.S. security interest or other interest to utilize our military at this time, under these facts.''
Warner said that in such a situation, ``one casualty is too many,'' and argued that a U.S. invasion could sour long-term American relations with other Latin American nations.
Rep. Herbert H. Bateman, Republican, representing parts of the Peninsula
The Clinton policy ``is a very flawed and foolish policy,'' Bateman said in an interview. If the president proceeds with an invasion without congressional authorization, Bateman said he would support cutting off the funds needed to pursue it ``at the earliest date consistent with the safety of American forces.''
Bateman conceded that the administration has gone so far that a decision against invading would be an embarrassment to the president. But ``we don't owe it to him to save his face at the cost of American blood and treasure,'' he argued.
Rep. Owen B. Pickett, Democrat, representing parts of Norfolk and Virginia Beach
``I don't think additional violence on (Haiti) is going to be a solution,'' Pickett said in an interview Tuesday.
He said the United States should join with other countries to press for reforms in Haiti but that the ultimate decisions about what happens there are for the Haitian people. The outcome ``is not a direct and compelling concern of the United States,'' he said.
Rep. Robert C. Scott, Democrat, representing parts of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and the Peninsula
``It's inevitable that we're going to have to do something if (the Haitian government continues) to ignore the direction that's been given,'' Scott said Tuesday, adding that he's ``surprised they're still there.''
But Scott said the administration needs ``to be a little bit more specific on our mission'' if he is to support it. Clinton should insist that a multinational force be involved in every phase of the operation, including the actual invasion, he added.
``We do have a national interest in maintaining democracies,'' Scott said. ``. . . Certainly one in our backyard ought to be supported.''
Rep. Norman Sisisky, Democrat, representing parts of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and western Tidewater
``Based on what I know, I'm not in favor of an invasion,'' Sisisky said Tuesday. The administration ``has done a pretty bad job'' of making the case for military intervention to Congress and the public, he added.
Sisisky said he believes ``there's still a deal to be made down there,'' suggesting that the administration should drop its demand that Aristide be restored to power and press Haiti's government to agree to a quick, new election. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Robb
Warner
KEYWORDS: HAITI OPINIONS by CNB