THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 6, 1994 TAG: 9408050037
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
Our government policy toward Rwanda merits commendation and support. It points to world leadership that only the U.S. can provide. France tried unilaterally to stop the carnage but was swamped by the refugees fleeing into Zaire.
A July 23 diagram showed countries that immediately joined us to supply medical assistance, food, water and stability to this beleaguered area. Notable was the absence of a single oil-rich Arab country. With untold wealth in oil reserves and being geographically linked to Africa, their lack of support is irresponsible.
Yet, when their oil reserves and very existence were endangered, this country and all of the supporting countries came to their assistance.
Gratitude is non-existent in these Mideast countries.
Still they demand a seat in the United Nations and other forums involving world issue. Rwanda is their neighbor; its destiny should be of interest to them.
STANLEY A. KAPLAN
Norfolk, Aug. 1, 1994 by CNB