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9807096 [2]
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9807096 [2]
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[Kosovo]
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Case Number: 2008-0994-F-3
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the Clinton Presidential
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Original OA/ID Number:
2064
Document ID:
9807096 [2]
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2
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Bob:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable Robert Menendez
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3013
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear George:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
This
The Honorable George Miller
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-0507
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Joe:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill
The Honorable John Joseph Moakley
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-2109
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Jim:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable James P. Moran
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-4608
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Representative Morella:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000 ,
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie Guitan
The Honorable Constance A. Morella
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-2008
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Representative Myrick:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a ,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill Guitan
The Honorable Sue Myrick
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3309
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Jerry:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable Jerrold Nadler
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3208
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Richard:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill
The Honorable Richard E. Neal
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-2102
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Jim:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable James L. Oberstar
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-2308
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear John:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable John W. Olver
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-2101
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Major:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill
The Honorable Major R. Owens
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3211
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Frank:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill
The Honorable Frank Pallone, Jr.
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3006
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Bill:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill
The Honorable William J. Pascrell, Jr.
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3008
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Representative Paxon:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill Guitan
The Honorable Bill Paxon
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3227
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Don:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable Donald M. Payne
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3010
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Nancy:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-0508
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Representative Porter:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie Guitan
The Honorable John Edward Porter
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-1310
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Charlie:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill
The Honorable Charles B. Rangel
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3215
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Representative Rohrabacher:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a ,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie Guitan
The Honorable Dana Rohrabacher
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-0545
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Steve:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable Steven R. Rothman
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3009
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Representative Roukema:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill Guitan
The Honorable Marge Roukema
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3005
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Bobby:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill
The Honorable Bobby L. Rush
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-1301
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Martin:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable Martin Olav Sabo
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-2305
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Loretta:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable Loretta Sanchez
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-0546
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Representative Saxton:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie Guitain
The Honorable Jim Saxton
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3003
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Chris:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill
The Honorable Christopher Shays
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-0702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Louise:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable Louise McIntosh Slaughter
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3228
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Representative Smith:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie Guitan
The Honorable Christopher H. Smith
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3004
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Mr. Chairman:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie Guitan
The Honorable Gerald B. H. Solomon
Chairman
Committee on Rules
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3222
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Jim:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable James A. Traficant, Jr.
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3517
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Henry:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Bill
The Honorable Henry A. Waxman
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-0529
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Representative Weldon:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie Guitan
The Honorable Curt Weldon
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3807
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Robert:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable Robert Wexler
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-0919
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Representative Whitfield:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability. of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie Guitain
The Honorable Ed Whitfield
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-1701
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Representative Wolf:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a ,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie Guitain
The Honorable Frank R. Wolf
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-4610
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 28, 1998
Dear Lynn:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
2
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers, should that become necessary.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
Brie
The Honorable Lynn C. Woolsey
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-0506
The Honorable Thomas Allen
The Honorable John Baldacci
The Honorable Xavier Becerra
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
1630 Longworth House Office Building
1740 Longworth House Office Building
1119 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-1901
Washington, D.C. 20515-1902
Washington, D.C. 20515-0530
The Honorable Douglas Bereuter
The Honorable Sherwood L. Boehlert
The Honorable David E. Bonior
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
Democratic Whip
2184 Rayburn House Office Building
2246 Rayburn House Office Building
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-2701
Washington, D.C. 20515-3223
2207 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-2210
The Honorable Allen Boyd
The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin
The Honorable Elijah Cummings
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
1237 Longworth House Office Building
104 Cannon House Office Building
2419 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0902
Washington, D.C. 20515-2003
Washington, D.C. 20515-2007
The Honorable Thomas M. Davis, III
The Honorable William D. Delahunt
The Honorable Rosa DeLauro
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
224 Cannon House Office Building
1517 Longworth House Office Building
436 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-4611
Washington, D.C. 20515-2110
Washington, D.C. 20515-0703
The Honorable Peter Deutsch
The Honorable Eliot L. Engel
The Honorable Sam Farr
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
204 Cannon House Office Building
2303 Rayburn House Office Building
1117 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0920
Washington, D.C. 20515-3217
Washington, D.C. 20515-0517
The Honorable Michael P. Forbes
The Honorable Vito Fossella
The Honorable Jon D. Fox
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
416 Cannon House Office Building
2411 Rayburn House Office Building
435 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3201
Washington, D.C. 20515-3213
Washington, D.C. 20515-3813
The Honorable Barney Frank
The Honorable Martin Frost
The Honorable Elizabeth Furse
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
2210 Rayburn House Office Building
2256 Rayburn House Office Building
316 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-2104
Washington, D.C. 20515-4324
Washington, D.C. 20515-3701
The Honorable Sam Gejdenson
The Honorable Alcee L. Hastings
The Honorable Maurice D. Hinchey
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
1401 Longworth House Office Building
1039 Longworth House Office Building
2431 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0702
Washington, D.C. 20515-0923
Washington, D.C. 20515-3226
The Honorable Stephen Horn
The Honorable Amo Houghton
The Honorable Steny H. Hoyer
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
438 Cannon House Office Building
1110 Longworth House Office Building
1705 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0538
Washington, D.C. 20515-3231
Washington, D.C. 20515-2005
The Honorable Nancy L. Johnson
The Honorable Marcy Kaptur
The Honorable Sue W. Kelly
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
343 Cannon House Office Building
2311 Rayburn House Office Building
1222 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0706
Washington, D.C. 20515-3509
Washington, D.C. 20515-3219
The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy
The Honorable Peter T. King
The Honorable Tom Lantos
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
312 Cannon House Office Building
403 Cannon House Office Building
2217 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3901
Washington, D.C. 20515-3203
Washington, D.C. 20515-0512
The Honorable Rick Lazio
The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee
The Honorable John Lewis
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
2444 Rayburn House Office Building
410 Cannon House Office Building
229 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3202
Washington, D.C. 20515-4318
Washington, D.C. 20515-1005
The Honorable Nita M. Lowey
The Honorable Carolyn B. Maloney
The Honorable James H. Maloney
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
2421 Rayburn House Office Building
1330 Longworth House Office Building
1213 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3218
Washington, D.C. 20515-3214
Washington, D.C. 20515-0705
The Honorable Thomas J. Manton
The Honorable Edward J. Markey
The Honorable Carolyn McCarthy
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
2235 Rayburn House Office Building
2133 Rayburn House Office Building
1725 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3207
Washington, D.C. 20515-2107
Washington, D.C. 20515-3204
The Honorable Jim McDermott
The Honorable James P. McGovern
The Honorable Michael R. McNulty
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
2349 Longworth House Office Building
512 Cannon House Office Building
2161 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-4707
Washington, D.C. 20515-2103
Washington, D.C. 20515-3221
The Honorable Martin T. Meehan
The Honorable Carrie P. Meek
The Honorable Gregory W. Meeks
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
2434 Rayburn House Office Building
404 Cannon House Office Building
1035 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-2105
Washington, D.C. 20515-0917
Washington, D.C. 20515-3206
The Honorable Robert Menendez
The Honorable George Miller
The Honorable John Joseph Moakley
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
405 Cannon House Office Building
2205 Rayburn House Office Building
235 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3013
Washington, D.C. 20515-0507
Washington, D.C. 20515-2109
The Honorable James P. Moran
The Honorable Constance A. Morella
The Honorable Sue Myrick
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
1214 Longworth House Office Building
2228 Rayburn House Office Building
230 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-4608
Washington, D.C. 20515-2008
Washington, D.C. 20515-3309
The Honorable Jerrold Nadler
The Honorable Richard E. Neal
The Honorable James L. Oberstar
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
2448 Rayburn House Office Building
2236 Rayburn House Office Building
2366 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3208
Washington, D.C. 20515-2102
Washington, D.C. 20515-2308
The Honorable John W. Olver
The Honorable Major R. Owens
The Honorable Frank Pallone, Jr.
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
1027 Longworth House Office Building
2305 Rayburn House Office Building
420 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-2101
Washington, D.C. 20515-3211
Washington, D.C. 20515-3006
The Honorable William J. Pascrell, Jr.
The Honorable Bill Paxon
The Honorable Donald M. Payne
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
1722 Longworth House Office Building
2412 Rayburn House Office Building
2244 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3008
Washington, D.C. 20515-3227
Washington, D.C. 20515-3010
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
The Honorable John Edward Porter
The Honorable Charles B. Rangel
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
2457 Rayburn House Office Building
2373 Rayburn House Office Building
2354 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0508
Washington, D.C. 20515-1310
Washington, D.C. 20515-3215
The Honorable Dana Rohrabacher
The Honorable Steven R. Rothman
The Honorable Marge Roukema
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
2338 Rayburn House Office Building
1607 Longworth House Office Building
2469 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0545
Washington, D.C. 20515-3009
Washington, D.C. 20515-3005
The Honorable Bobby L. Rush
The Honorable Martin Olav Sabo
The Honorable Loretta Sanchez
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
131 Cannon House Office Building
2336 Rayburn House Office Building
1529 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-1301
Washington, D.C. 20515-2305
Washington, D.C. 20515-0546
The Honorable Jim Saxton
The Honorable Christopher Shays
The Honorable Louise McIntosh Slaughter
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
339 Cannon House Office Building
1502 Longworth House Office Building
2347 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3003
Washington, D.C. 20515-0702
Washington, D.C. 20515-3228
The Honorable Christopher H. Smith
The Honorable Gerald B. H. Solomon
The Honorable James A. Traficant, Jr.
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
2370 Rayburn House Office Building
2206 Rayburn House Office Building
2446 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3004
Washington, D.C. 20515-3222
Washington, D.C. 20515-3517
The Honorable Henry A. Waxman
The Honorable Curt Weldon
The Honorable Robert Wexler
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
2204 Rayburn House Office Building
2452 Rayburn House Office Building
1609 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0529
Washington, D.C. 20515-3807
Washington, D.C. 20515-0919
The Honorable Ed Whitfield
The Honorable Frank R. Wolf
The Honorable Lynn C. Woolsey
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
236 Cannon House Office Building
241 Cannon House Office Building
439 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-1701
Washington, D.C. 20515-4610
Washington, D.C. 20515-0506
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
LOG 9807096
DISTRIBUTION RECEIPT
DATE 28 DEC 98
SUBJECT: LTR TO REP OLVER ET AL RE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN KOSOVO
DOCUMENT CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED
EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION:
DATE
TIME
SIGNATURE
WH STRIPPING DESK
PRINT LAST NAME:
COPY: ORIGINAL
DATE, TIME, SIGN THE RECEIPT AND RETURN TO: NSC RECORDS MGNT. ROOM 379 OEOB
PAGE 01 OF 01 PAGES
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
ID 9807096
REFERRAL
DATE: 31 DEC 98
MEMORANDUM FOR: WH STRIPPING DESK
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
TO: OLVER, JOHN
SOURCE: PRESIDENT
DATE: 28 DEC 98
SUBJ: LTR TO REP OLVER ET AL RE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN KOSOVO
REQUIRED ACTION: FOR DISPATCH
DUEDATE: 04 JAN 99
COMMENT:
DMK
FOR
JOHN W. FICKLIN
NSC RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICE
7096
THE WHITE HOUSE
wASHINGTON
30
December 29, 1998
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
SAMUEL BERGER
in
LARRY STEIN
Jas
SUBJECT:
Letter to Representative Olver, et al. on the
Humanitarian Crisis in Kosovo
Purpose
Respond to a letter from Representative Olver co-signed by 83
colleagues urging use of NATO military power to resolve the
Kosovo situation.
Background
Representative Olver calls for the use of all necessary military
power to stop the killing in Kosovo. He recommends that an
emergency humanitarian operation be launched and argues that
Milosevic should answer for war crimes.
Your reply summarizes NATO measures that have led to Milosevic's
acceptance of intrusive verification regimes. You also describe
the improving situation on the ground as refugees gradually
return and relief agencies increase deliveries of needed
supplies.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the letters to Representative Olver, et al. at
Tab A.
Attachments
Tab A Letters to Representative Olver, et al.
Tab B
Incoming Correspondence
CC: Vice President
Chief of Staff
7096
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20504
November 18, 1998
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR SAMUEL R. BERGER
F
THROUGH:
GREG SCHULTE
DA
FROM:
MICHAEL HURLEY
cmH
SUBJECT:
Presidential Letter to Representative Olver,
et al. on the Humanitarian Crisis in Kosovo
Representative Olver and others wrote the President urging that
the United States join its allies to end atrocities in Kosovo
and alleviate the human suffering there.
Concurrence by:
Mara Rudman
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the memorandum to the President at Tab I.
Attachments
Tab I
Memorandum to the President
Tab A
Letters to Representative Olver, et al.
Tab B
Incoming Correspondence
7096
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Staff Reminder Security
item still
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Dovember pending from
FROM:
SAMUEL BERGER
K
in
LARRY STEIN
JJS
'98 EU
SUBJECT:
Letter to Representative Olver, et al. on the
Humanitarian Crisis in Kosovo
OK
Purpose
Respond to a letter from Representative Olver co-signed by 83
with
colleagues urging use of NATO military power to resolve the
Kosovo situation.
smell
Background
adut
Representative Olver calls for the use of all necessary military
power to stop the killing in Kosovo. He recommends that an
Date
emergency humanitarian operation be launched and argues that
Milosevic should answer for war crimes.
Dec
Your reply summarizes NATO measures that have led to Milosevic's
acceptance of intrusive verification regimes. You also describe
28
the improving situation on the ground as refugees gradually
return and relief agencies increase deliveries of needed
supplies.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the letters to Representative Olver, et al. at
Tab A.
Attachments
Tab A Letters to Representative Olver, et al.
Tab B
Incoming Correspondence
CC: Vice President
Chief of Staff
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear John:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed. Dozens of
humanitarian organizations are daily delivering vital supplies
to Kosovars. These organizations are enjoying freedom of
movement and access that they did not have before NATO pressure
compelled Milosevic to end restrictions.
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a ,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers should that become necessary.
2
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
The Honorable John W. Olver
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Congress of the United States
+076
house of Representatives
Mashington, DC 20515
October 9, 1998
The Honorable William J. Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
We urge the United States and NATO to take decisive action to end the escalating humanitarian
crisis in Kosova. We stood firmly by you when you vowed not to allow Kosova to become
another Bosnia. Yet, that is exactly what is occurring. Therefore, the United States and NATO
must act.
Since February 1998, Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic has pursued a bold policy of ethnic
cleansing against his own citizens, 1.8 million ethnic Albanians of Kosova, fully 90% of the
population of Kosova. Under his regime's renewed reign of terror, hundreds of Albanian villages
have been destroyed, thousands of ethnic Albanians have been imprisoned, tortured and killed,
and hundreds of thousands more have-been displaced. With winter fast approaching and
surrounding communities no longer able to absorb the influx of refugees, tens of thousands of
ethnic Albanians will soon face death due to cold, disease, and starvation.
Our current foreign policy toward Kosova has not been effective. The economic sanctions
imposed on Serbia by the United States and its allies which include the denial of Serbian
membership in international organizations, the freeze of Serbian assets abroad, the ban of foreign
investment in Serbia, and an arms embargo on Serbia have not thwarted the ultranationalist
ambitions of the Milosevic regime. Over the course of this summer, in the face of these sanctions,
Serbian forces intensified their war against innocent civilians, and pursued a new military strategy
of shelling entire villages, not just engaging the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA).
We must not continue to enter into agreements with Milosevic that compromise our policy and
our humanity. His continued presence in the region threatens not only the lives of the Kosovar
Albanians, but the success of our policy in Bosnia and, ultimately, the stability of the Balkans. So
long as we are seen as allowing Milosevic to proceed with his actions in Kosova with impunity,
the Dayton Accords can never be fully implemented, and Bosnia, itself, will remain brutally
divided. Indeed, the influx of Kosovar Albanians to Sarajevo is now jeopardizing the Sarajevo
Agreement to promote the return of thousands of Croats and Serbs who fled during the Bosnian
War.
The United States and our allies must not be deceived by the superficial calm that has pervaded
Kosova during the last few days. It does not signal compliance. It reflects nothing more than the
standard operating procedure of the Milosevic regime. Time and time again, Milosevic has
shrewdly orchestrated his ethnic cleansing campaigns in order to evade international scrutiny and
condemnation. The moment his genocidal acts capture the world's full attention, his forces idle
only to gear-up again once the world has turned a blind eye.
The Honorable William J. Clinton
October 9, 1998 -- Page 2
We must not allow the world to overlook the ongoing atrocities in Kosova. UN Secretary
General Kofi Annan issued an incriminating report this week which states that, despite some
withdrawals, the Serbian military still has substantial forces in Kosova and is continuing to wage a
campaign of terror and violence against the ethnic Albanians. The UN report cannot be ignored.
We must pursue NATO's plans for military action against Serbia in a serious and sustained
manner. We must act to end the violence waged by the Milosevic regime and secure a political
solution to the question of Kosova's future. Specifically, we urge you to implement the
following measures as soon as possible:
1. Lead the United States and NATO in pursuing effective action to stop attacks by Serbian
military forces on ethnic Albanians in Kosova, and to ensure that these attacks are not resumed.
2. Compel the complete withdrawal of Serbian military forces from Kosova, secure access to the
vulnerable population for humanitarian aid, and protect the rights of the Albanian Kosovars to
return to their homes in safety.
3. Ensure that the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) investigates
the assaults occurring in Kosova.
4. Support an interim political settlement that grants Kosova status as a republic within
Yugoslavia, and a coequal with Serbia and Montenegro. Oppose any settlement which
compromises the political, cultural and human rights of the Albanian Kosovars under a veil of
autonomy.
We strongly believe that, through his brutal actions, Milosevic has forfeited the right of Serbia to
govern the citizens of Kosova. His denial of the rights of the Kosovar Albanians to speak their
own language, to be educated in their own schools, and to work at jobs of their own choice, has
for far too long gone unchallenged. His brazen and brutal attacks on their very right to live
cannot be tolerated.
It is time for the United States to effectively support the Kosovar Albanians' right to live safely in
their ancestral homes. As a nation that struggled for our own independence, we should give the
people of Kosova our support.
Sincerely,
John John W. Olver, Olver MC
Jon JA
Cluis Suith
Christopher H. Smith, MC
Frank Frank Pallone, Jr., Pallay MC
The Honorable William J. Clinton
October 9, 1998 -- Page 3
Geneghiller
Danid E Bonea
George Miller, MC
David E. Bonior, MC
Sue Suncerely Kelly, MC
Jan James P. Moran, MC Moran
Caulpe Carolyn McCarthy, MC
nike Fubur
Michael P. Forbes, MC
Christopher Shays, MC
Sherk Sherwood James P. McGovern, Boehlert, Sellert MC MC
James L. Oberstar
Jerrold Philip Nadler, MC
{ have
James LA Oberstar, MC
Richard E. Neal, MC
Gregory W. Meeks, MC
Johnson John Joseph Moakley, MC
Jim MeDermott, MC
Rosa L. DeLaure MC
Thit Nita Robert M. Menendez, Lowey, Lowey MC MC
Lukly Frank R. Wolf, MC
Amo Houghton, MC
Amo
The Honorable William J. Clinton
October 9, 1998 -- Page 4
Marty Meeha
Maurice D. Hinchey, MC
Martin
T.
Meehan,
MC
Lym Lynn C. Woolsey, Cubbey MC
Barnefrank
Barney Frank, MC
Skigh But Steny H. Hoyer, MC
Jom Dams
Thomas Path M. Davis, MC
Bill Paxon, MC
Peter T. King, MC
Dam Rehalmer
Dana Rohrabacher, MC
John Edward Porter, MC
Tom Lantos
Tom Lantos, MC
Steven R. Rothman, MC
Robert Wexler, MC
CarifB Maly Carolyn B. Maloney, MC
Bill Bul Pascrell, Pascrell Jr., MC V
Donald Donald M. Payne, mayne MC
mike Mobinity
Glace Alcee L. Hastings, d. Hastings MC FL23
Michael Johlews R. McNulty, lewis MC
m 10 FAR
John Lewis, MC
Martin Frost, MC
The Honorable William J. Clinton
October 9, 1998 -- Page 5
Tom all
Thomas H. Allen, MC
Implane Morelle
Major Elis R. Owens, MC L. Engel
Eliot L. Engel, MC
Constance Nt A. Morella, MO
Vito Fossella, MC
allen Boyd, Bayd MC
Allen
Charles B. Rangel MC
Marcy Marcy Kaptur, Kaptur MC
Ed Ed Whitfield, Whiteeld (MC
Bill Oclahurl
Levise justs Louise M. Traficant, Slaughter, M. Slaughter Jr., MC
Sam William D. Delahunt, Far MC
James
A.
MC
Sam Farr, MC
Carrie P. Meek
Edward Ed J. Markey Markey, MC
Martin a Jubo
Martin O. Sabo, Me
Carrie P. Meek, MC
Doug Dany Bereuter, MC
Bereiter
El abeth Furse, MC
James H. Maloney, MC
John John E. Baldacci, MC
The Honorable William J. Clinton
October 9, 1998 -- Page 6
Ben Carden
Pat Dater Peter Deutsch, MC
Benjamin L. Cardin, MC
Yown Been
Thomas
L.
Manton,
MC
Bobby L. Rush, MC 199m Xavier San Gejdenson, Becerra, If MC MCV
Elijah E. Cummings, MC Jim Saxton, MC
Marze Marge Roukema, Ronkima MC
June Sue Myrick, MC negick
Pitant Patrick J. Kennedy, Ilenned MC
Curt Untill Weldon, MC
Hong awayman
Henry A. Waxman, MC
Rick
Juck Lazio Lay MC
Nancy Johnson, J.Jams MC
Loretta Joula Sanchez Sauches MC
Darcy Nancy Pelosi, Pelosi MC
Sheila Jackson Lee, MC
Stephen IgherHorn Horn, MC
Gerald J Solomon, May MC
cc: Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Secretary of Defense William Cohen
National Security Advisor Samuel Berger
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR GLYN DAVIES
NSC Executive Secretariat
FROM:
JANET MURGUIA
Legislative Affairs
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Attached are copies of letters sent to the President by
various Members of Congress. Since these letters address
national security issues, we would appreciate your assistance in
drafting the responses.
Thank you very much for your assistance. If you have any
questions, please call Eli Joseph at x67500.
The following is a brief description of the letters:
1)
Sen. Alfonse D'Amato (R-NY), regarding Israeli POWs;
2)
Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), expressing concern over
Kosovo;
3)
Sen. John Warner (R-VA) and fourteen other Senators,
regarding the establishment of a National Bipartisan
Commission to review the current U.S.-Cuba foreign
policy;
4)
Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY) and thirty-one others
Members of Congress, expressing support for the
Administration's involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian
peace negotiations;
5)
Rep. Benjamin Gilman (R-NY) and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher
(R-CA), requesting the public release of the FBI report
of the 1997 grenade attack in Cambodia which injured
American Ron Abney;
6)
Rep. George Miller (D-CA) and thirty-five other Members
of Congress, regarding the arrest of General Augusto
Pinochet; and,
7)
Rep. John W. Olver (D-MA) and eighty-three other
OCT 21 18:13
Members of Congress, expressing concern over Kosovo.
ENCLOSURES
7096
Congress of the United States
house of Representatives
Mashington, DC 20515
October 9, 1998
The Honorable William J. Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
We urge the United States and NATO to take decisive action to end the escalating humanitarian
crisis in Kosova. We stood firmly by you when you vowed not to allow Kosova to become
another Bosnia. Yet, that is exactly what is occurring. Therefore, the United States and NATO
must act.
Since February 1998, Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic has pursued a bold policy of ethnic
cleansing against his own citizens, 1.8 million ethnic Albanians of Kosova, fully 90% of the
population of Kosova. Under his regime's renewed reign of terror, hundreds of Albanian villages
have been destroyed, thousands of ethnic Albanians have been imprisoned, tortured and killed,
and hundreds of thousands more have-been displaced. With winter fast approaching and
surrounding communities no longer able to absorb the influx of refugees, tens of thousands of
ethnic Albanians will soon face death due to cold, disease, and starvation.
Our current foreign policy toward Kosova has not been effective. The economic sanctions
imposed on Serbia by the United States and its allies -- which include the denial of Serbian
membership in international organizations, the freeze of Serbian assets abroad, the ban of foreign
investment in Serbia, and an arms embargo on Serbia -- have not thwarted the ultranationalist
ambitions of the Milosevic regime. Over the course of this summer, in the face of these sanctions,
Serbian forces intensified their war against innocent civilians, and pursued a new military strategy
of shelling entire villages, not just engaging the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA).
We must not continue to enter into agreements with Milosevic that compromise our policy and
our humanity. His continued presence in the region threatens not only the lives of the Kosovar
Albanians, but the success of our policy in Bosnia and, ultimately, the stability of the Balkans. So
long as we are seen as allowing Milosevic to proceed with his actions in Kosova with impunity,
the Dayton Accords can never be fully implemented, and Bosnia, itself, will remain brutally
divided. Indeed, the influx of Kosovar Albanians to Sarajevo is now jeopardizing the Sarajevo
Agreement to promote the return of thousands of Croats and Serbs who fled during the Bosnian
War.
The United States and our allies must not be deceived by the superficial calm that has pervaded
Kosova during the last few days. It does not signal compliance. It reflects nothing more than the
standard operating procedure of the Milosevic regime. Time and time again, Milosevic has
shrewdly orchestrated his ethnic cleansing campaigns in order to evade international scrutiny and
condemnation. The moment his genocidal acts capture the world's full attention, his forces idle --
only to gear-up again once the world has turned a blind eye.
The Honorable William J. Clinton
October 9, 1998 -- Page 2
We must not allow the world to overlook the ongoing atrocities in Kosova. UN Secretary
General Kofi Annan issued an incriminating report this week which states that, despite some
withdrawals, the Serbian military still has substantial forces in Kosova and is continuing to wage a
campaign of terror and violence against the ethnic Albanians. The UN report cannot be ignored.
We must pursue NATO's plans for military action against Serbia in a serious and sustained
manner. We must act to end the violence waged by the Milosevic regime and secure a political
solution to the question of Kosova's future. Specifically, we urge you to implement the
following measures as soon as possible:
1. Lead the United States and NATO in pursuing effective action to stop attacks by Serbian
military forces on ethnic Albanians in Kosova, and to ensure that these attacks are not resumed.
2. Compel the complete withdrawal of Serbian military forces from Kosova, secure access to the
vulnerable population for humanitarian aid, and protect the rights of the Albanian Kosovars to
return to their homes in safety.
3. Ensure that the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) investigates
the assaults occurring in Kosova.
4. Support an interim political settlement that grants Kosova status as a republic within
Yugoslavia, and a coequal with Serbia and Montenegro. Oppose any settlement which
compromises the political, cultural and human rights of the Albanian Kosovars under a veil of
autonomy.
We strongly believe that, through his brutal actions, Milosevic has forfeited the right of Serbia to
govern the citizens of Kosova. His denial of the rights of the Kosovar Albanians to speak their
own language, to be educated in their own schools, and to work at jobs of their own choice, has
for far too long gone unchallenged. His brazen and brutal attacks on their very right to live
cannot be tolerated.
It is time for the United States to effectively support the Kosovar Albanians' right to live safely in
their ancestral homes. As a nation that struggled for our own independence, we should give the
people of Kosova our support.
Sincerely,
John John W. Olver, Olver MC
Jon JA
Cluis Suith
Christopher H. Smith, MC
Frank Pallone, Jr., Pallay MC
The Honorable William J. Clinton
October 9, 1998 -- Page 3
Geneshiller George Miller, MC
Dand E Bonea
David E. Bonior, MC
Caulpe Carolyn McCarthy, MC
Sue Sunkelly Kelly, MC
Jun MC Moran
nike Fubur
Michael P. Forbes, MC
Shink James P. McGovern, Bellert MC
Christopher Shays, MC
Sherwood Boehlert, MC
James L. Obeostar
Jenole Jerrold Nadler, Wallen MC
5 have
James L/ Oberstar, MC
Richard E. Neal, MC
John Joseph Moakley, MC
Gregory W. Quit Meeks, MC,
Jim McDermott, MC
Rosa L. DeLauro MC
Thit Nita Robert M. Menendez, Lowey, Lowey MC MC
Frank R. Wolf, MC
Amo Amothoght Houghton, MC
The Honorable William J. Clinton
October 9, 1998 -- Page 4
Marty Meeha
Maurice D. Hinchey, MC
Martin
T.
Meehan,
MC
Lym Lynn C. Woolsey, Cubbey MC
Barnyfrank
Barney Frank, MC
Slaghan Buk Steny H. Hoyer, MC
Jom Dams
Bill Paxon, MC
Dam Ruhabar
A Thomas M. Davis, MC
Peter T. King, MC
Dana Rohrabacher, MC
John Edward Porter, MC
Tom Lantos
Steven R. Rothman, MC
Rhitwal Tom Lantos, MC
Robert Wexler, MC
Carolyn B. Maloney, MC
Bill Bue Pascrell, Pascrell Jr., MC V
Donald Donald M. Payne, mayne MC
mike Mobinity
Glace Alcee L. Hastings, d. Hastings MC FL23
Michael Jol Lewis R. McNulty, MC
main Find
John Lewis, MC
Martin Frost, MC
The Honorable William J. Clinton
October 9, 1998 -- Page 5
Tom alle
Thomas H. Allen, MC
Imatane Morelle
Major Elis R. Owens, MC
L. Engel
Eliot L. Engel, MC
Constance Nt A. Morella, MC
Vito Fossella, MC
Allen
allen Boyd, Bayd MC
Charles B. Rangel MC
Marcy Marcy Kaptur, Kaptur MC
{} Ed Whitfield, Whitect (MC
Bill clabust
Levis M Just-e Louise M. Traficant, Slaughter, Slaughter Jr., MC
Sam William D. Delahunt, fan MC
James
A.
MC
Sam Farr, MC
Carrie P. , Meek
Edward Ed J. Markey Markey, MC
Martin a Jubo
Martin 0. Sabo, MC
Carrie P. Meek, MC
Doug Dany Bereuter, MC
Berentor
Elizabeth Furse, MC
James H. Maloney, MC
John E. Baldacci, MC
The Honorable William J. Clinton
October 9, 1998 -- Page 6
Ben Carden
Pat Dater Peter Deutsch, MC
Ben jamin L. Cardin, MC
Yowa Been
Thomas J. Manton, MC
Xavier Becerra, If MC
Bobby L. Rush, MC
Sam Gejdenson, MC
Elight Elijah E. Cummings, E.Cummings MC Jim Saxton, MC Ton
Marze Marge Roukema, Ronkima MC
Sue Myrick, MC negick
Putant Patrick J. Kennedy, Ilenned MC
Curt Weldon, MC
Hong awayman
Henry A. Waxman, MC
Rick
The Lazio Lazio MC
Nancy Johnson, J.Jam MC
Loretta Sanchez Sauches MC
Dancy Nancy Pelosi, Pelosi MC
Sheila Jackson Lee, MC
Stephen CapherHorn Horn, MC
Gerald Jr Solomon, May MC
CC: Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Secretary of Defense William Cohen
National Security Advisor Samuel Berger
THE WHITE HOUSE
wASHINGTON
October 21, 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR GLYN DAVIES
NSC Executive Secretariat
FROM:
JANET MURGUIA
Legislative Affairs
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Attached are copies of letters sent to the President by
various Members of Congress. Since these letters address
national security issues, we would appreciate your assistance in
drafting the responses.
Thank you very much for your assistance. If you have any
questions, please call Eli Joseph at x67500.
The following is a brief description of the letters:
1)
Sen. Alfonse D'Amato (R-NY), regarding Israeli POWs;
2)
Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), expressing concern over
Kosovo;
3)
Sen. John Warner (R-VA) and fourteen other Senators,
regarding the establishment of a National Bipartisan
Commission to review the current U.S.-Cuba foreign
policy;
4)
Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY) and thirty-one others
Members of Congress, expressing support for the
Administration's involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian
peace negotiations;
5)
Rep. Benjamin Gilman (R-NY) and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher
(R-CA), requesting the public release of the FBI report
of the 1997 grenade attack in Cambodia which injured
American Ron Abney;
6)
Rep. George Miller (D-CA) and thirty-five other Members
of Congress, regarding the arrest of General Augusto
Pinochet; and,
7)
Rep. John W. Olver (D-MA) and eighty-three other
OCT 21 18:13
Members of Congress, expressing concern over Kosovo.
ENCLOSURES
7096
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
SAMUEL BERGER
LARRY STEIN
SUBJECT:
Presidential Letter to Representative Olver,
et al. on the Humanitarian Crisis in Kosovo
Purpose
Respond to a letter from Representative Olver co-signed by 83
colleagues urging use of NATO military power to resolve Kosovo
situation.
Background
Representative Olver calls for the use of all necessary military
power to stop the killing in Kosovo. He recommends that an
emergency humanitarian operation be launched and argues that
Milosevic should answer for war crimes.
Ymalrodescribe
Your reply summarizes NATO measures that have led to Milosevic's
acceptance of intrusive verification regimes.
It describes the
improving situation on the ground as refugees gradually return
and relief agencies increase deliveries of needed supplies.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the letters to Representative Olver, et al. at
Tab A.
Attachments
Tab A Letters/to Representative Olver, et al.
Tab B Incoming Correspondence
CC: Vice President
Chief of Staff
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear John:
Thank you for your letter expressing concern about the
humanitarian crisis in Kosovo. I deeply appreciate hearing your views
advice on the best way to resolve the conflict. Your call for
decisive U.S. and NATO action accurately describes the approach
we implemented. I am encouraged that working with our NATO
partners we have dramatically improved the situation for the
better.
beginning
From the outset, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe. And third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
on
We have made substantial progress toward each of these
objectives. NATO determination backed up by the credible threat
of force has led to a cease-fire that has held since early
October, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb security
forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped and
security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced people have returned to their homes and major
international relief efforts have resumed.
We have also put much thought and effort into the root causes of
the crisis Since the eruption of the conflict in February we
have been pushing aggressively both sides to towards a a political
Chander now
settlement. In line with your recommendation, we strongly
support advancing the political, cultural and human rights of
Kosovars. The current draft political agreement offers Kosovars
a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police force and
complete control over education, health and other institutions
that most affect their daily lives.
There will be much work ahead to make this cease fire and a
settlement last. In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO
has implemented an intrusive air surveillance regime. And we
are rapidly building up a 2,000-person verification mission,
with personnel and funds contributed by OSCE nations, headed by
Bill Walker, an experienced American diplomat. In support of
this mission, NATO is establishing a force in Macedonia that
will be close at hand to extract verifiers in an emergency.
should that become necessary,
2
I with you
You are exactly right about Milosevic's tactics. He carries out
his ruthless policies until the international community reacts
and then he bides his time until he begins the cycle again.
Regt
you warn, we will not be deceived by the current calm. We know
Milosevic.
that The ended his campaign of hatred only because he fears NATO
military
action
NATO has retained authority and has forces already identified
and ready to act if he backslides. His deeds not his words,
will determine our response.
As you point out, the ethnic cleansing that Milosevic has been
conducting abhorrent in itself, has destabilized the region.
We have an important national interestin a peaceful, stable
Balkans. Spillover violence threatens the fragile stability of
the entire region, including Bosnia and an already struggling
Albania. Greece and Turkey could be drawn in. Our policy will
help prevent the conflict in Kosovo from spiraling out of
control.
You urge that we move immediately to provide humanitarian aid to
the displaced people in Kosovo. Dozens of humanitarian
organizations are daily delivering vital supplies to Kosovars.
These organizations are enjoying freedom of movement and access
that they did not have before NATO pressure compelled Milosevic
to end restrictions.
Those who have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity
must be held accountable for their actions. To that end, as you
advocate, we support the work of the International Criminal
Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in its ongoing
investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are on the right road. We have ended the cycle of
violence, and averted the impending humanitarian crisis. I am
hopeful that we are getting closer to a political resolution of
the conflict. Again, John, thank you for writing and sharing
your concerns with me. I deeply appreciate your thoughts We
will continue to consult with Congress on this important issue.
thoughts and ideas with me on Sincerely, this important issue.
The Honorable John W. Olver
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
2
I agree with you about Milosevic's tactics. He carries out his
ruthless policies until the international community reacts, and
then he bides his time until he begins the cycle again. We will
not be deceived by the current calm. We know that Milosevic
ended his campaign of hatred only because he fears NATO military
action. NATO has retained authority and has forces already
identified and ready to act if he backslides. His deeds, not
his words, will determine our response.
You urge that we move immediately to provide humanitarian aid to
the displaced people in Kosovo. Dozens of humanitarian
organizations are daily delivering vital supplies to Kosovars.
These organizations are enjoying freedom of movement and access
that they did not have before NATO pressure compelled Milosevic
to end restrictions.
Those who have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity
must be held accountable for their Actions. To that end, as you
advocate, we support the work of the International Criminal
Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in its ongoing
investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are on the right road. Again, thank you for writing
and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this important
issue.
headedin the right direction Sincerely,
The Honorable John W. Olver
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear John:
Thank you for your letter about the humanitarian crisis in
Kosovo. I appreciate hearing your views on the best way to
resolve the conflict. Your call for decisive U.S. and NATO
action accurately describes the approach we implemented.
From the beginning, we have had three overriding objectives in
Kosovo. First, to end the violence that threatens the fragile
stability of the Balkans. Second, to prevent a humanitarian
crisis from becoming a catastrophe, and third, to help the
Kosovar people achieve a high degree of self-government.
We have made substantial progress on each of these objectives.
NATO determination backed by the credible threat of force has
led to a cease-fire, followed by a substantial reduction of Serb
security forces in Kosovo. Now that the shooting has stopped
and security checkpoints have been dismantled, more than 40,000
displaced international people relief have efforts returned have to their resumed. homes xx and ( INSal major for PS
Since the eruption of the conflict in February we have been
pushing both sides to find a political settlement and we are
pushing even harder now. In line with your recommendation, we
strongly support advancing the political, cultural and human
rights of Kosovars. The current draft political agreement
offers Kosovars a high degree of autonomy, an indigenous police
force and complete control over education, health and other
institutions that most affect their daily lives.
In order to verify Belgrade's compliance, NATO has implemented
an intrusive air surveillance regime. We are rapidly building
a 2,000-person verification mission, with personnel and funds
contributed by OSCE nations, headed by Bill Walker, an
experienced American diplomat. In support of this mission, NATO
is establishing a force in Macedonia that will be close at hand
to extract verifiers should that become necessary.
2
I agree with you about Milosevic's tactics. He carries out his
ruthless policies until the international community reacts, and
then he bides his time until he begins the cycle again. We will
not be deceived by the current calm. We know that Milosevic
ended his campaign of hatred only because he fears NATO military
action. NATO has retained authority and has forces already
identified and ready to act if he backslides. His deeds, not
his words, will determine our response.
You urge that we move immediately to provide humanitarian aid to
XX
the displaced people in Kosovo. Dozens of humanitarian
MOE to
organizations are daily delivering vital supplies to Kosovars.
These organizations are enjoying freedom of movement and access
fgl
that they did not have before NATO pressure compelled Milosevic
to end restrictions.
I agree you has
Those who have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity
must be held accountable for their actions. To that end, as you
advocate, we support the work of the International Criminal
Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in its ongoing
investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
The Honorable John W. Olver
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
7096
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
SAMUEL BERGER
LARRY STEIN
SUBJECT:
Letter to Representative Olver, et al. on the
Humanitarian Crisis in Kosovo
Purpose
Respond to a letter from Representative Olver co-signed by 83
colleagues urging use of NATO military power to resolve the Kosovo
situation.
Background
Representative Olver calls for the use of all necessary military
power to stop the killing in Kosovo. He recommends that an
emergency humanitarian operation be launched and argues that
Milosevic should answer for war crimes.
Your reply summarizes NATO measures that have led to Milosevic's
acceptance of intrusive verification regimes. You also describe
the improving situation on the ground as refugees gradually
return and relief agencies increase deliveries of needed
supplies.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the letters to Representative Olver, et al. at
Tab A.
Attachments
Tab A
Letters to Representative Olver, et al.
Tab B
Incoming Correspondence
CC: Vice President
Chief of Staff
2
I agree with you about Milosevic's tactics. He carries out his
ruthless policies until the international community reacts, and
then he bides his time until he begins the cycle again. We will
not be deceived by the current calm. We know that Milosevic
ended his campaign of hatred only because he fears NATO military
action. NATO has retained authority and has forces already
identified and ready to act if he backslides. His deeds, not
his words, will determine our response.
I agree with you that those who have committed war crimes and
crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their
actions. To that end, as you advocate, we support the work of
the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) in its ongoing investigations in Kosovo.
I do not underestimate the difficulties that lie ahead, but I
believe we are headed in the right direction. Again, thank you
for writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas with me on this
important issue.
Sincerely,
The Honorable John W. Olver
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C 20515
PRESIDENTIAL/NSA CORRESPONDENCE
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
Mike For you -chong pla
ACTION OFFICER: Schulte
LOG NUMBER: 7096
DUE DATE: 10.28
DATE STAFFED: 10.16
CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESSED TO:
PRESIDENT
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR
FROM: Members of Congress
PREPARE A RESPONSE FOR THE PRESIDENT'S OR NATIONAL SECURITY
ADVISOR'S SIGNATURE WITHIN 10 DAYS. IF A LETTER DOES NOT REQUIRE A
RESPONSE, PLEASE RETURN IT TO RECORDS MANAGEMENT (RM 379) WITH
THIS FORM, ANNOTATED ACCORDINGLY.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-2101
PUBLIC DOCUMENT
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
John W. Olver M.C.
I
1998 OCT 15 59 9:59
President William J. Clinton
I
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500