Claiborne Pell: “Now, however, I would like to touch upon several of the reasons why I believe unilaterally lifting the embargo is a bad…”

“Now, however, I would like to touch upon several of the reasons why I believe unilaterally lifting the embargo is a bad idea. First, it would put the United States in the position of abrogating a United Nations Security Council Resolution, and in essence, breaking international law. Second, it could begin a process of unilateral United States involvement in the Bosnia conflict--or as some Senators have put it--start us down the slippery slope to greater engagement in the crisis. Third, unilaterally lifting the arms embargo could actually leave the Bosnian Government forces vulnerable to further Serbian obstruction of humanitarian assistance and brutal attack. Fourth, lifting the embargo at this time could upset the delicate peace process underway. Many of my colleagues have made the point that the international community may be contributing to the problem by denying the Bosnian Government the right to defend itself. We have heard many times that we owe it to the people of Bosnia to 'level the playing field.' Some of my colleagues have made powerful arguments to that affect. I believe, however, that if steps are to be taken, the United Nations, not the United States going it alone, should take them. The embargo is in place as a result of a binding U.N. Security Council resolution and can only be abrogated by a subsequent U.N. Security Council action. A unilateral lifting of the arms embargo would set a dangerous precedent.”