Political Quotes

“I welcome the decision by Croatian President Franjo Tudjman to allow an international force to remain in Croatia. As one who has long opposed sending United States ground troops to Bosnia or Croatia, the good news about President Tudjman's decision seemed to be tempered, however, by a report in this morning's New York Times. According to that article, Secretary Perry announced that United States troops would be sent to Croatia to help with the reconfiguration of U.N. forces. Upon further examination, however, it appears that this morning's report may have been premature, as the President has not-- repeat not--yet made a decision with regard to a commitment of United States troops. Moreover, the administration continues to assure me that if United States troops were deployed, it would not be for the purpose of helping with a reconfiguration or withdrawal of U.N. troops from Croatia. Nonetheless, there is a great deal of confusion surrounding this issue, and accordingly, the administration needs to clarify its intentions with regard to troop commitments. Before any decision is made to send U.S. troops, I fully expect the administration to follow through on its commitment to consult with the Congress. The issue of United States troops aside, President Tudjman's decision walks us back from the brink of disaster in Croatia and indeed, the entire former Yugoslavia.”