    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [May 25, 1999]
    [Page 850]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Plans To Deploy the Kosovo International Security Force
    (KFOR)
    May 25, 1999

        I believe that our air campaign in Kosovo is working and will
    ultimately succeed in its objective of returning the people of Kosovo to
    their homes with security and self-government. With that in mind, we are
    planning with our Allies for success. Today NATO endorsed an updated
    plan for implementing the peace in Kosovo when its conditions are met.
        The force that NATO plans to deploy--KFOR--will deter renewed
    hostilities and provide the security and confidence the refugees need to
    return and get on with their lives. To be credible and effective, KFOR
    will have NATO at the core.
        Given the new circumstances, including the enormous humanitarian
    crisis caused by Mr. Milosevic, KFOR will
    need to be larger than we originally foresaw. We expect the American
    contribution to increase proportionately, but our European Allies will
    still provide the vast bulk of the force. We also hope that Russia and
    other non-NATO countries will participate.
        The headquarters and leading elements of KFOR are already in the
    region, where they are helping to relieve the refugee crisis. NATO's
    military authorities will now work with allied countries to determine
    what additional forces will be required so that the Alliance is ready
    when the time comes for the refugees to return. Make no mistake, that
    time will come, in accordance with the conditions we have repeatedly
    laid out.

    Note: The statement referred to President Slobodan Milosevic of the
    Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro).