    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [December 23, 1996]
    [Page 2235]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Retirement of General George A. Joulwan, USA
    December 23, 1996

        Today Gen. George Joulwan, the Commander in Chief, U.S. European
    Command, and the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, announced that he
    plans to retire next spring, after 36 years of active duty service. I
    want to take this opportunity to commend this extraordinary soldier for
    his exemplary service to his Nation, particularly his role in building a
    new post-cold-war security structure in Europe.
        His sound military advice on the use of military power to back U.S.
    diplomacy, his crucial role in shaping new security structures and
    partnerships, and his superlative leadership in implementing peace in
    Bosnia will ensure that the NATO alliance will remain the anchor of
    American engagement in Europe and the linchpin of transatlantic
    security. In Bosnia, a breakthrough was achieved when he married
    appropriate military power to diplomatic leadership. He seized this
    opportunity for peace which he had created, helped to broker a cease-
    fire, and then, through his command of the multinational force IFOR, he
    ensured a stable and secure environment so that the parties had the
    confidence to carry out their obligations under the Dayton agreement.
        As General Joulwan worked to bring peace to Bosnia, he also led the
    effort to transform NATO so that it could better address such conflicts
    and remain the guarantor of Europe's democracy and the central force for
    European stability. He was the architect of the adaptation of NATO to
    meet the new challenges of a changed world, enhancing its security
    through the Partnership For Peace program and by modernizing its command
    structure. His efforts have built a foundation for a Europe that is
    safe, secure, and democratic well into the 21st century.
        General Joulwan's leadership and wise counsel will truly be missed
    in the senior decisionmaking ranks of our national security structure.
    Hillary and I join our NATO allies in wishing him the very best.