[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.