Political Quotes

“on Sunday and again yesterday, selective airstrikes were launched by NATO, responding to a request by the United Nations to act against those besieging Gorazde and endangering the lives of U.N. personnel, in addition to tens of thousands of civilians. I believe most of us, and I know I, fully support that effort. Since the beginning of the conflict in Bosnia, it has been clear that Serb militants would only respond to the credible threat of force. They have, in my opinion, cynically flouted international principles and used the negotiating table to gain militarily on the ground. They feel they do not have to pay a price for aggression and, yes, even atrocities, which amount, in many respects, to genocide. This NATO action, I believe, is measured, limited, and necessary. We have threatened in the past and urged the aggressors and all others to cease the hostilities and come to the negotiating table. For too long, however, Serb militants have ignored the West, the United Nations and international law, all in pursuit of the greater gain. Recent actions by the Serbian militants are a test of whether the international community is prepared to take further measures to ensure that U.N. resolutions and principles are upheld. If the militants do not cease, and if they act against U.N. forces anywhere in Bosnia, the international community should continue to respond resolutely.”