[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REPORT ON RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR DEBATE AND CONSIDERATION OF THREE 
     MEASURES RELATING TO UNITED STATES TROOP DEPLOYMENTS IN BOSNIA

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                               speech of

                            HON. PAT DANNER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 12, 1995

  Ms. DANNER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to have grave reservations about 
the United States' mission to Bosnia and this concern is reflected in 
my votes on this issue. I do not believe we should agree to the 
placement of American men and women in harm's way without the support 
of the American people, which I do not believe exists. I fear that the 
mission could result in a significant loss of American lives without 
accomplishing the goal of peace in the Balkans.
  I have listened closely to the arguments made in support of sending 
troops. I have not yet been convinced that the parties to the agreement 
are completely willing to accept the terms of the agreement, nor am I 
convinced that they have complete control over the people they 
represent.
  One of my chief concerns with the peace agreement continues to be the 
individual interpretations of the terms by the leaders. For example, 
Croat authorities released a jailed military commander who was under 
indictment by the international war crimes tribunal for atrocities. 
This action knowingly violated one of the major provisions of the 
Balkan peace agreement. This type of blatant and self-serving disregard 
for the terms of the agreement certainly does not bode well for the 
peace agreement and the United States mission. Because of this, I am 
concerned that a mission intended to keep the peace could quickly 
become a military engagement similar to what transpired in Somalia.
  In closing, however, it is important to note that like the many other 
Americans opposed to the mission, I will be supportive of our troops as 
they are committed to Bosnia.

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