    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [November 21, 1996]
    [Pages 2141-2142]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Anniversary of the Dayton Accords
    November 21, 1996

        One year ago today, American diplomacy under the leadership of
    Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Assistant Secretary of State
    Richard Holbrooke achieved a peace agreement that ended the worst
    conflict in Europe since World War II. Over the past year, American
    soldiers, diplomats, aid workers, volunteers, and public servants have
    worked tirelessly on the challenges of implementing the Dayton accords.
    They have made a world of difference in the lives of the Bosnian people.
        The market massacres, sniper alleys, and grim campaigns of ethnic
    cleansing are over. Since Dayton, we and our international partners have
    maintained a secure peace, separated and demobilized the former warring
    parties, held suc-

    [[Page 2142]]

    cessful national elections, and started the work of rebuilding Bosnia's
    economy and civil structures. These achievements have made an
    immeasurable difference in the lives of people in Bosnia: parents can
    return to their businesses and careers, children can return to schools
    and playgrounds, farmers can return to fields and markets--all without
    fear of an incoming round or a sniper's bullet.
        When the Balkan leaders chose peace one year ago at Dayton, I asked
    the American people to do the same by supporting the participation of
    our troops in a NATO-led Implementation Force to help secure the peace.
    Thanks to NATO's strong capabilities, together with the forces of Russia
    and other members of the Partnership For Peace, IFOR successfully
    completed its mission of implementing the military aspects of Dayton
    without any combat casualties. In short, IFOR exceeded our expectations
    in bringing an end to a war that threatened stability in Europe.
        American leadership remains vital in pursuing our interests and is
    critical to restoring peace and stability in places like Bosnia. That is
    why I have decided in principle that, until political and economic
    efforts can gain greater momentum, a smaller follow-on NATO mission in
    Bosnia is necessary to complete the work that IFOR began. But in the
    end, it still is up to the Bosnian people, with the help of
    international community, to take responsibility for rebuilding their
    country, reconciling with their neighbors, creating a democratic
    national government, and laying the foundation for a self-sustaining
    peace.
        Today, I want to personally thank the many Americans who have worked
    so hard to bring peace to the people of Bosnia.