[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).