[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[April 12, 1994]
[Pages 679-680]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Letter to Congressional Leaders on Protection of United Nations 
Personnel in Bosnia-Herzegovina
April 12, 1994

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
    One year ago, I provided you with my initial report on the 
deployment of U.S. combat-equipped aircraft to support the North 
Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) enforcement of the no-fly zone in 
Bosnia-Herzegovina. I provided you with follow-on reports on October 13, 
1993, February 17, 1994, and March 1, 1994. I am reporting today on the 
use of U.S. combat-equipped aircraft on April 10-11 to provide 
protection for U.N. personnel who came under attack in Gorazde, Bosnia-
Herzegovina.
    Since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 713 
on September 25, 1991, the United Nations has actively sought solutions 
to the conflict in the former Yugoslavia. Under Security Council 
Resolution 824 (May 6, 1993), certain parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina have 
been established as ``safe areas.'' Gorazde is specifically included as 
a location that should be treated as a safe area ``by all the parties 
concerned and should be free from armed attacks and from any other 
hostile acts.'' In addition, Security Council Resolutions 836 and 844 
(June 4 and 18, 1993) authorize Member States, acting nationally or 
through regional organizations, to use air power in the safe areas to 
help protect the United Nations Protection Forces (UNPROFOR).
    Recent heavy weapons (tank and artillery) fire in the Gorazde area 
has resulted in a serious threat to the citizens remaining in Gorazde 
and to UNPROFOR and U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) 
personnel operating there. On April 10, the city was subjected to 
sustained Bosnian-Serb tank and artillery fire. The UNPROFOR and UNHCR 
personnel in Gorazde were placed in great danger. Based on the threat to 
UNPROFOR, as reported by U.N. observers in the city, the UNPROFOR 
commander requested the U.N. Special Representative for Bosnia-
Herzegovina to authorize close air support (CAS) strikes on the Bosnian-
Serb firing positions. The U.N. Special Representative approved the 
request. Consistent with approved procedures and rules of engagement, 
two U.S. aircraft from NATO Allied Force Southern Europe (AFSOUTH) 
engaged Bosnian-Serb targets after receiving targeting orders from the 
Commander in Chief, AFSOUTH.
    On April 11, 1994, U.N. personnel in Gorazde requested NATO air 
support after again coming under attack by Bosnian-Serb gunners. United 
States F/A-18 aircraft from AFSOUTH were successful in neutralizing 
Bosnian-Serb targets that had been firing on the city.
    There were no NATO or U.N. casualties as a result of the operations 
on April 10 and 11, 1994.
    It is my hope that the clear resolve of the United Nations and NATO 
as shown by these actions will encourage the parties to the conflict in 
the former Yugoslavia to respect the decisions of the Security Council 
concerning the protection of U.N. personnel and of the declared safe 
areas. United States forces will continue to serve as part of this 
important NATO enforcement effort and will remain prepared to respond to 
U.N. and NATO requests for further action against those who violate 
these decisions.
    These actions are being taken in Bosnia-Herzegovina in conjunction 
with our allies to implement the decision of the Security Council and 
the North Atlantic Council and to assist the parties to reach a 
negotiated settlement to the conflict. It is not now possible to 
determine

[[Page 680]]

the duration of this operation. I have directed the participation of 
U.S. Armed Forces in this effort pursuant to my constitutional authority 
to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief.
    I am providing this report as part of my effort to keep the Congress 
fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I remain 
grateful for the continuing support the Congress has provided and I look 
forward to continued cooperation with you in this endeavor. I shall 
communicate with you further regarding our efforts for peace and 
stability in the former Yugoslavia.
    Sincerely,

                                                      William J. Clinton

Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of 
the Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on April 13.