Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, NATO has achieved not a victory but a cessation of war, for now. It is important that Congress maintain a tight rein on the administration's policy in the Balkans through not providing a blanket authorization past September 30, which the Skelton amendment would effect. The agreement that was signed is significant for what it does not say. The KLA was not a party to the agreement. The KLA is not even mentioned in the text of the agreement. The agreement does not limit the types and quantities of weapons the KLA must turn in. The agreement does not require the KLA to turn in rifles and machine guns purchased in Albania and on the black market. Keep in mind the KLA's goal is still an independent Kosovo. They will not accept NATO's new goal of autonomy. They will return to the province well armed and well protected. The agreement also provides for Yugoslav forces to be allowed back into Kosovo, but it does not say when. This agreement may have established a fertile ground for more war. This agreement could exchange the ill-fated and ill-advised quest for a greater Serbia for an ill-fated and ill-advised quest for a greater Albania. It is urgent that Congress keep control in such an undefined and unpredictable environment created by an undefined agreement. Our young men and women could end up trapped in a ground war in Kosovo.”