    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [September 1, 1995]
    [Pages 1279-1280]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Deployment of
    United States Aircraft to Bosnia-Herzegovina
    September 1, 1995

    Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
        I last reported to the Congress on May 24, 1995, concerning U.S.
    support for the United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization
    (NATO) efforts in the former Yugoslavia. I am today reporting on the use
    of U.S. combat and support aircraft commencing on August 29, 1995 (EDT),
    in a series of NATO air strikes against Bosnian Serb Army (BSA) forces
    in Bosnia-Herzegovina that were threatening the U.N.-declared safe areas
    of Sarajevo, Tuzla, and Gorazde. The NATO air strikes were launched
    following an August 28, 1995, BSA mortar attack on Sarajevo that killed
    37 people and injured over 80. This tragic and inexcusable act was the
    latest in a series of BSA attacks on unarmed civilians in the safe
    areas.
        By way of background, and as I am sure you are aware, the situation
    in eastern Bosnia-Herzegovina, and in particular the safe areas in the
    so-called ``eastern enclaves,'' changed dramatically in the month of
    July. On July 11, 1995, the safe area of Srebrenica fell to the BSA
    following repeated BSA attacks. As a result of the fall of Srebrenica,
    over 40,000 persons were forced from their homes. Similarly, on July 26,
    1995, the safe area of Zepa fell to attacking BSA forces with over 8,000
    persons displaced. As a result of these actions by the BSA, intensive
    discussions took place between U.N. and NATO authorities to address what
    could be done to enhance protection of the remaining safe areas of
    Sarajevo, Tuzla, Bihac, and Gorazde.
        Under United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 824 of May
    6, 1993, certain portions of Bosnia-Herzegovina, including the city of
    Sarajevo, were established as safe areas that should be ``free from
    armed attacks and from any other hostile act.'' Additionally, under
    UNSCR 836 of June 4, 1993, member states and regional organizations are
    authorized, in close coordination with the United Nations, to take all
    necessary measures, through the use of air power, to support the United
    Nations Protection Forces (UNPROFOR) in the performance of its mandate
    related to the safe areas. This mandate includes deterring attacks and
    replying to bombardments on the safe areas. Consistent with these and
    other resolutions, and in light of the recent events described above,
    the United Nations requested and NATO initiated air strikes on August
    29, 1995. The air strikes were fully coordinated with the simulta-

    [[Page 1280]]

    neous artillery attacks by the Rapid Reaction Force.
        On July 25, 1995, and August 1, 1995, the North Atlantic Council
    (NAC) approved a number of measures designed to meet further BSA attacks
    on the remaining safe areas with a ``firm, rapid and decisive
    response.'' Specifically, the NAC agreed that a ``direct attack (e.g.,
    ground, shelling, or aircraft)'' against any of the remaining safe areas
    would initiate air operations as determined by the common judgment of
    NATO and U.N. military commanders. The NATO air strikes commencing on
    August 29, 1995, are pursuant to the NAC's decision of August 1, 1995,
    and are an appropriate and necessary response to BSA actions. The NATO
    and U.N. operations are intended to reduce the threat to the Sarajevo
    safe area and to deter further attacks there or in any other safe area.
    These operations will continue until NATO and U.N. commanders determine
    that they have achieved their aims.
        During the first day of operations, some 300 sorties were flown
    against 23 targets in the vicinity of Sarajevo, Tuzla, Gorazde, and
    Mostar. The aircraft struck a variety of BSA targets, including heavy
    weapons emplacements, command and control facilities, communications
    sites, air defense sites, and ammunition facilities. Initial reports
    suggest that the strikes were successful in damaging or destroying a
    number of BSA targets. No U.S. aircraft were destroyed during the
    strikes nor were any U.S. personnel killed, wounded, or captured. At the
    same time that the air strikes were being conducted, the U.N.'s Rapid
    Reaction Force fired over 600 artillery and mortar rounds at BSA heavy
    weapons systems and ammunition storage sites around Sarajevo.
        I authorized these actions in conjunction with our NATO allies to
    implement the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and NATO
    decisions. As I have reported in the past and as our current diplomatic
    actions clearly indicate, our efforts in the former Yugoslavia are
    intended to assist the parties to reach a negotiated settlement to the
    conflict. I have directed the participation of U.S. forces in this
    effort pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct the foreign
    relations of the United States and as Commander in Chief and Chief
    Executive.
        I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the
    Congress fully informed about developments in the former Yugoslavia,
    consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I am grateful for the
    continuing support that the Congress has provided, and I look forward to
    continued cooperation in this endeavor.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of the
    Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    September 2.