For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 24, 2001
Statement by the President at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo
Last month in Warsaw, I spoke about the importance of building a Europe
that is whole, free, and at peace. I said that this new Europe must
include the Balkans. A few years ago, that vision would have seemed
fanciful. Today, as I meet here with our forces at Camp Bondsteel,
that vision is within our reach.
Croatia has become a responsible source of
regional stability. The people of Yugoslavia have chosen
democracy over dictatorship and have sent their former dictator to The
Hague. Albania's recent elections, while less than perfect,
were still a step forward in its democratic development. There are
moderate governments in Bosnia-Herzegovina willing to work as serious
partners with the international community in preparing their country
for European integration. For the first time in history, all
the governments of the region are democratic, committed to cooperating
with each other, and predisposed to joining Europe.
But difficult challenges
remain. Civil institutions are weak and vulnerable to
corruption. Organized crime is widespread, sometimes hiding
behind narrow, nationalistic agendas. There is too much
dependence on foreign assistance and not enough foreign
investment. And ethnic extremists are still stoking the
flames of intolerance and inciting violence, hoping to subvert
democracy, redraw borders, or advance criminal pursuits.
The greatest challenge today is in
Macedonia, where armed insurgents threaten peace and
stability. Some here in Kosovo are trying to help the
insurgents. Let me be clear: The United States
stands against all who use or support violence against democracy and
the rule of law. That's why American forces in Kosovo are
interdicting the flow of arms into Macedonia. And that's why I imposed
sanctions against individuals and organizations assisting the
insurgents. The United States, EU, and NATO strongly back
ongoing efforts to find a political settlement -- one that addresses
the legitimate grievances of the Albanian population while protecting
Macedonia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, its political unity,
and its democratic future. I call on all parties to maintain
the cease-fire. And I call on the elected leaders to work with EU
envoy Leotard and Ambassador Pardew to overcome the remaining
differences to achieving a settlement that will keep Macedonia at peace
and on the road to Europe.
Those here in Kosovo who support the
insurgency in Macedonia are hurting the interests of ethnic Albanians
throughout the region. The people of Kosovo should focus on
Kosovo. They need to concentrate on developing civil
institutions that work and a political climate that supports and
sustains democracy, the rule of law, ethnic tolerance, and cooperation
with neighbors. November's election will be an important
step in that direction. We call on all people of Kosovo to
participate, so that no one is denied the benefits of democracy. As
the people and countries of the Balkans move closer to Europe, it is
only natural that Europe assume increasing leadership and
responsibility. I welcome the European Union's commitment to play a
leading role in the stabilization and development of the
region. I similarly welcome the willingness of our allies to
provide the bulk of the NATO task force poised to collect the
insurgents' weapons after a peaceful settlement in
Macedonia. The cooperation of the United States, NATO, and
the EU in Macedonia is a model that we can build upon in the future.
More than thirty countries -- NATO allies,
NATO partners, and other friends -- are, together with America,
providing forces here in Kosovo. We understand that
America's contribution is essential, both militarily and
politically. We will not draw down our forces in Bosnia or
Kosovo precipitously or unilaterally. We came in together,
and we will go out together. But our goal is to hasten the
day when peace is self-sustaining, when local, democratically elected
authorities can assume full responsibility, and when NATO's forces can
go home. This means that we must re-organize and re-energize
our efforts to build civil institutions and promote rule of
law. It also means that we must step up our efforts to
transfer responsibilities for public security from combat forces to
specialized units, international police, and ultimately local
authorities. NATO's commitment to the peace of this region is
enduring, but the stationing of our forces here should not be
indefinite.
The American soldiers here at Camp
Bondsteel -- and at bases and on patrol elsewhere in Kosovo and in
Bosnia -- symbolize America's commitment to building the better,
broader, more peaceful Europe that is within our grasp. We
are very proud of our soldiers and of the American diplomats and civil
police who work alongside them. Together with our allies and
friends and the people of the Balkans, we are confident that we will
reach this common goal.
# # #
|