March 1, 1996
Web posted at: 9:30 p.m. EST (0230 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As expected, President Clinton declared a national emergency Friday, authorizing the Department of Transportation to take extraordinary steps to prevent boats from leaving the United States if the agency suspects they plan to enter Cuban territorial waters.
Clinton said the declaration was necessary because "the government of Cuba has demonstrated a ready and reckless willingness to use excessive force, including deadly force, in the ostensible enforcement of its sovereignty."
Taking stringent steps to ensure that Saturday's planned memorial flyover and flotilla by a Cuban-American group passes peacefully, Clinton also authorized the U.S. military to take a more "robust " posture in providing military backup for the demonstration.
Accompanied by U.S. Coast Guard cutters, about 40 boats and at least one airplane were to travel to the site where Cuban fighter jets shot down two aircraft piloted by Cuban exiles last Saturday.
The Florida-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue says its planes were shot down outside Cuban airspace, but Cuba says otherwise. The four people aboard the planes are presumed dead.
White House spokesman David Johnson said the emergency declaration gives the Coast Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration broad authority to ensure that the group's activities are conducted safely and lawfully.
The augmented military back-up -- which includes the use of AWACS radar planes and more fighter aircraft and warships -- is designed to send a strong message to Fidel Castro's government: Don't interfere.
The Coast Guard will be the lead agency monitoring the memorial service, but military forces will be on standby in case additional support is needed, said Defense Secretary William Perry.
"We'll have several (Navy) ships in the Florida straits. They are not a part of this operation, but they are there to support the Coast Guard if the Coast Guard requests support," Perry said.
Cuba warned the U.S.-based exiles to stay out of its waters during the memorial service, but also pledged to act with "utmost restraint" to avert a new incident.
Cuba said it would take "necessary measures" if foreign boats or planes enter its sea or air spaces, which extend 12 miles (20 kilometers) from its shores, foreign ministry spokesman Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said Thursday.
"If they are in international waters, they won't have any problem," Fernandez told a news conference.
At the United Nations on Friday, Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina said his government has no interest in exacerbating tensions, and that he appreciated U.S. efforts to prevent any boat or plane from straying into Cuban territory.
"My government wishes and desires these measures to be effective," he added. "These are the measures we have requested for a long time."
Cuba says its airspace had been intruded upon several times in the months leading up to Saturday's incident. "Our idea was that at some point we had to put a stop to it," Fernandez said.
Brothers to the Rescue head Jose Basulto said the group intends to stay in international airspace and waters during Saturday's service.
"Anybody who deviates, we consider them a provocateur," Basulto said.
The flotilla may face literal rough water: Saturday's forecast was for 5- to 7-foot seas, possibly increasing to 9 feet, and 23 mph winds, with thunderstorms that could produce 40 mph gusts. Small boats were cautioned to avoid open seas.
"It's a moderate-to-high risk," said National Weather Service forecaster Jim Lushine. "I myself would think twice about going out in those conditions."
Participants on the water planned to hold a prayer service and lay floral wreaths at the same time of day the planes were shot down. The air convoy was also to throw flowers on the same spot before heading back to a memorial service at Miami's Orange Bowl.
As of Friday afternoon, flotilla organizers were going ahead with plans. None of the boats are smaller than 30 feet, and all will be inspected for their sea-worthiness before leaving Key West on Saturday, the Coast Guard said.
The site of the air and sea service is said to be about 21 miles northwest of Havana, beyond the 12-mile limit of Cuba's territorial waters.
Brothers to the Rescue was formed in 1991 to help the Coast Guard rescue refugees fleeing Cuba.
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