    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [June 12, 1999]
    [Pages 937-938]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Deployment of United
    States Military Personnel as Part of the Kosovo International Security
    Force
    June 12, 1999

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        On March 26, April 7, and May 25, 1999, I reported to the Congress,
    consistent with the War Powers Resolution, concerning U.S. participation
    in the NATO air strikes against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY)
    and in supporting operations in the region, in response to the FRY
    Government's campaign of violence and repression against the civilian
    population of Kosovo. In my report of June 5, 1999, under section 8115
    of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1999 (Public Law 105-
    262), I noted the FRY had accepted the detailed set of principles for
    ending the conflict, as presented by Finnish President
    Ahtisaari along with Russian Special Envoy
    Chernomyrdin. I also stated that I had
    authorized the deployment of a significant contingent of military
    personnel to Kosovo as part of an international security presence
    (KFOR), provided it became clear that Belgrade had fully adopted NATO's
    conditions and was withdrawing its forces.
        I can now confirm that the FRY has accepted NATO's conditions, and
    the process of implementing them has begun. On June 9, Lieutenant
    General Sir Michael Jackson, the NATO commander
    of KFOR, concluded a Military-Technical Agreement (MTA) with FRY
    authorities. The MTA specifies the detailed modalities and schedule for
    the full withdrawal of all FRY military, paramilitary and police forces
    from Kosovo. The MTA also details the role and authorities of KFOR,
    confirming that it can take the measures necessary to create a secure
    environment for the return of the Kosovars to their homes in safety and
    self-government. Among other authorities, KFOR is empowered to ensure
    that the withdrawal of FRY forces proceeds on schedule, to protect KFOR
    and the civil implementation presence, and assist other international
    entities involved in restoring peace to Kosovo.
        Conclusion of the MTA and the subsequent start of Serb force
    withdrawals paved the way for NATO to suspend its air campaign on June
    10, 1999, and for the United Nations Security Council on the same day to
    adopt Resolution 1244 authorizing the establishment of the international
    security force.
        In view of these events, I have directed the deployment of
    approximately 7,000 U.S. military

    [[Page 938]]

    personnel as the U.S. contribution to the approximately 50,000-member,
    NATO-led security force (KFOR) now being deployed into Kosovo. The KFOR
    will operate under unified NATO command and control, and with rules of
    engagement set by the Alliance. As part of the central NATO role that we
    have insisted upon, and consistent with the recommendations of my senior
    civilian and military advisors, U.S. personnel participating in these
    efforts will be under the operational control solely of officers from
    the United States or other NATO countries. In addition, a total of
    approximately 1,500 U.S. military personnel, under separate U.S. command
    and control, will deploy to other countries in the region, as our
    national support element, in support of KFOR.
        I expect that after the withdrawal of all Serb forces from Kosovo
    and an initial stabilization period, KFOR will be progressively reduced
    as the security situation permits and international and local police
    forces are established. The KFOR ultimately will transfer
    responsibilities to the international provisional administration, local
    institutions, and other appropriate organizations.
        I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to
    conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief
    Executive.
        I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the
    Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I
    appreciate the continued support of the Congress in this action.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of
    the Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on June 14.