Abstract
- The French hard at work between Rwanda and Zaire. First operation in Rwandan territory to rescue Tutsi refugees. Senegalese soldiers should soon join the French workforce. The Rwandan Patriotic Front continues to denounce the operation but meets with French emissaries.
- Beyond criticism and reluctance, to what extent does the French intervention fit within the framework of the United Nations? How to prepare a political solution? From the right to interfere to the prevention of conflicts, how to avoid each time after the massacres the policy of the worst? United Nations Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali is our guest tonight.
- After three months of massacres and a few days of controversy, the French army's humanitarian operation in Rwanda was launched today. Code name: "Operation Turquoise".
- 2:30 p.m. this afternoon: the first French soldiers of Operation Turquoise cross Zaire and enter Rwanda. A reconnaissance detachment reached Gisenyi unopposed. At the same time several dozen men, equipped with light armor, left Bukavu. Destination: Cyangugu in southwestern Rwanda.
- Their mission is to provide assistance to 8,000 Tutsi refugees surrounded by Hutu troops from the Rwandan government. The priority is to assess the situation, create a climate of security, help the work of humanitarian organizations.
- The French soldiers have the authorization to use the weapons to avoid new massacres. A total of 2,500 men are mobilized, only enlisted men, and mainly naval troops and legionnaires.
- This evening 500 French soldiers are hard at work on the Zaire border. All day, troops and equipment embarked in France to join them. In Istres, near Marseille, but also in Roissy where passengers were surprised to see the soldiers arrive in the check-in room.
- The Ministry of Defense clarifies that Turquoise is proceeding as planned. A military hospital will soon be set up near the action zone.