[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[February 20, 1994]
[Pages 286-287]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Results of NATO Action on Bosnia
February 20, 1994

    I have just been informed by NATO Secretary General Manfred Woerner 
that NATO and United Nations commanders have concluded that all known 
heavy weapons of the parties have been withdrawn from the exclusion zone 
around Sarajevo, are under the control of the United Nations, or soon 
should be. Therefore,

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they have concluded that no air strikes in Bosnia by NATO air forces are 
required at this time.
    This week's events clearly have given the residents of Sarajevo a 
respite from the shelling and a measure of hope. I want to congratulate 
NATO and each of our NATO allies for the demonstration of resolve that 
produced these results. I want to commend the high level of cooperation 
that has been demonstrated between the U.N. and NATO. As I told 
President Yeltsin in a call earlier today, I want to congratulate the 
Government of Russia for its contributions to this effort. Finally, all 
Americans join in praising the courage and skill of our service 
personnel and those of our NATO allies; they have been the muscle in 
NATO's ultimatum.
    Despite the significant events of the day, we must remain vigilant. 
All parties should be aware that the ultimatum stands. The deadline has 
not been extended. Any heavy weapons in the exclusion zone not under 
U.N. control are, and will remain, subject to air strikes. NATO's 
decision also applies to any heavy weapons attacks on Sarajevo from 
within or beyond the zone. NATO and the United Nations will continue to 
monitor compliance extremely carefully.
    The NATO decision and its results provide new potential for progress 
toward an end to the tragic conflict in Bosnia. In the coming days, 
American diplomats will be working with the parties to the conflict and 
our allies and partners to transform this potential into reality.