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WASHINGTON, April 9 (AFP) - President Bill Clinton expressed deep concern Saturday over the violence in Rwanda and said everything possible will be done to ensure the safety of Americans still there.
Clinton said he was "deeply concerned by the continuing violence" in Rwanda where 255 Americans remain. About 330 US Marines were sent to neighboring Buruni to help with the evacuation of US citizens.
The soldiers are part of a 1,200-member Marines contingent stationed on US vessels off the Somali coast since last month's withdrawal of US forces involved in UN operations in the Horn of Africa country.
"We're doing everything we can to ensure their safety," Clinton said in his weekly radio address.
State Department spokesman Mike McCurry said Saturday there are no reports of specific threats against Americans in Rwanda, and that US authorities are working with Rwandan officials to coordinate their evacuation.
"Out of concern for the security of the Americans involved, we cannnot provide extensive details at this time," he said, adding that as of 1600 GMT Saturday, "things were proceeding smoothly."
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