    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [May 6, 1999]
    [Pages 709-711]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Discussions With Chancellor Gerhard
    Schroeder of Germany and an Exchange With
    Reporters in Bonn
    May 6, 1999

    Situation in Kosovo

        Chancellor Schroeder. Ladies and gentlemen, we had a very intensive
    discussion together, the main emphasis, of course, having been on the
    crisis on Kosovo. We basically agreed regarding all of the questions
    that were discussed. And when I say ``we agreed,'' then I'm talking
    about the two of us but also about Germany and the United States of
    America.
        There is no reason whatsoever to go in and change our jointly
    adopted strategy. We very much welcome the initiative taken by the
    foreign ministers today, the G-8 conference. We have noticed from
    looking at the results that some strong movement has happened there. We
    have also conjointly decided that it is very necessary to support the
    frontline states of the region and particular Macedonia and Albania, the
    two countries that at present are shouldering the vast burden regarding
    the refugee problem.
        We very much have to go in and make sure that the earmarked 250
    million euro as support have to be channeled into those frontline states

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    and really get there. You might know that Germany has earmarked 60
    million German marks as support there. We have to make sure that those
    supports and that money speedily flows into the region.
        I personally had the opportunity of talking to the Prime Minister of
    Macedonia today, and we also agreed that we were trying to spur matters
    in this very way.
        The President of the United States of America has emphasized the
    fact that the United States will take on a large number of refugees. You
    know that we here in Germany have already taken on quite a few, and we
    hope that in taking these actions, both America and Germany will set an
    example also for other European countries to follow up and to take on
    refugees themselves. We hope that as a consequence, that they will
    follow suit.
        Germany itself is continuing to think about whether they could
    potentially take on even more. And if you hear the most recent news
    today, yet again, another 10,000 refugees have flooded into Macedonia
    yet again and in addition. And if you then bear in mind that soon the
    border might be closed off, sealed off, in fact, altogether, then really
    urgent action and consideration is needed here.
        We have also discussed the possibilities of having some influence on
    the discussions taking place at the Club of Paris, where thoughts are
    ventilated about a potential suspension or a relief of debt for the
    frontline states involved, and we have decided that we conjointly
    support a debt relief or at least a suspension of debts for Macedonia
    and Albania.
        And I think all of that--and I think that goes without saying--
    should be independent of the necessity of continuing our actions,
    continuing the NATO actions and the measures taken so far. But one point
    that was strongly emphasized was the necessity of giving a more
    comprehensive economic and political perspective for the Balkans.
        President Clinton. If I could just say very briefly--Chancellor
    Schroeder has faithfully summarized the items we discussed and the
    conclusions that we drew. And I would just like to say on behalf of the
    United States how much I appreciate the leadership of the German
    Chancellor and the German people in dealing with the refugee crisis, in
    trying to relieve the pressure on Macedonia and provide for the economic
    needs of both Macedonia and Albania, and in looking to the long-term
    development of the Balkans and southeastern Europe, which is critical if
    you're going to avoid future incidents of this kind.
        And on all those scores, both as the German Chancellor and as the
    present leader of the EU, I think he has done an outstanding job, and I
    am personally very grateful for it.

    Cooperation of Russia and China

        Q. Mr. President, how important is it in your view to get the U.N.
    behind the principles on Kosovo, and what do you intend in order to get
    not only Russia but also China into the part?
        President Clinton. Well, I believe it would be very, very helpful if
    the United Nations would endorse a peace process if it is a peace
    process that will work, meaning that the refugees would have to be able
    to come back with security and autonomy, and the Serb forces would have
    to be withdrawn, and there must be a multinational security force there
    that NATO is a core part of.
        Now, the U.N. did so in Bosnia. We were there as--under the umbrella
    of the U.N., NATO was there; Russia was there; Ukraine was there. It
    worked. And it will work again, and obviously would be much better.
        With regard to the Chinese, of course, the Chancellor is going to
    China in a couple of days, and he will have fresh news when he comes
    back. But I believe if the Russians support this, the Chinese will
    support this. And I think they believe that this is something the U.N.
    should do.
        Q. Mr. President, what's the significance of the agreement or
    statement that Russia--[inaudible]--initially today?
        President Clinton. I think the Chancellor might want to comment on
    that as well. The significance is that as far as I know, this is the
    first time that the Russians have publicly said they would support an
    international security as well as a civilian force in Kosovo. This is a
    significant step forward, and I was personally very pleased by it.

    Balkan Peace Process

        Q. Mr. President, what is your personal impression? Do you think
    there is a message you can convey to the German people that there is a
    longer period of blood, sweat, and tears that you have to look forward
    to or to look

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    at in the near future, or do you think that there is a real peace
    process underway?
        President Clinton. I think there is a real peace process underway,
    but it has no chance of reaching a satisfactory conclusion unless we
    maintain Allied unity and firmness. I don't think the process is long,
    but I don't think we can afford to be discouraged or be impatient. We
    need to stay with the strategy we have and continue to aggressively
    support our air campaign and to aggressively support any diplomatic
    initiative that will secure the conditions necessary for a lasting peace
    in Kosovo.

    Group of Eight Statement on Kosovo

        Q. Mr. President, and Chancellor, do you think that the agreement,
    the statement that was issued today by the G-8 and Russia, will do
    anything to hasten the end to the conflict?
        Chancellor Schroeder. I can only repeat and emphasize what the
    President of the United States of America has just said. I consider it
    as truly substantial progress which has been made there. There has been
    open talk about the presence and the necessity for the presence of
    international troops there, and I think things will continue along that
    way.
        I would also very much like to emphasize the fact that I agree that
    there is no reason whatsoever to now think about a change in the NATO
    strategy now that the strategy does seem to work, and I'm talking about
    military as well as political initiatives undertaken therein.
        President Clinton. Let me just say very briefly, I agree with what
    the Chancellor has said. I do believe it's an advance because you have
    to see the G-8 resolution here, the statement, in the context of Mr.
    Chernomyrdin's efforts. I mean, here is
    a man that served as Premier of Russia twice; very highly regarded, I
    think, by all of us who have ever dealt with him on all sides of this
    issue. And this statement, plus his ongoing effort, I think you have to
    read this as a move forward and increasing the likelihood that there
    will ultimately be a resolution of this that will actually work.
        Thank you.

    Note: The remarks began at 5:45 p.m. in the Office of the Chancellor at
    the Chancellory. In his remarks, the President referred to Special Envoy
    and former Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin of Russia. The President
    also referred to the European Union (EU). Chancellor Schroeder referred
    to Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski of Macedonia. A tape was not
    available for verification of the content of these remarks.