    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [December 28, 1999]
    [Page 4]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on Peacekeeping
    December 28, 1999

    Dear Mr. Chairman:
        I am pleased to transmit herewith the 1998 Annual Report to the
    Congress on Peacekeeping. The report is required by section 4(d) of the
    United Nations Participation Act (Public Law 79-264), as amended, and
    the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995
    (Public Law 103-236).
        The report provides an account of how the United States used
    peacekeeping last year to promote regional stability and to advance U.S.
    interests.
        United Nations and other peacekeeping operations also helped us
    protect our interests before they were directly threatened, and ensured
    that other nations shared with us the risks and costs of maintaining
    international stability.
        We continued to promote greater discipline in decision-making
    regarding multilateral peace operations in national capitals and at the
    United Nations. This includes increased focus on key questions about the
    mandate, size, costs, duration, and exit strategy for peacekeeping
    operations before they are approved.
        I look forward to working with you to ensure that peacekeeping
    remains a viable option for dealing with international conflicts.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Floyd Spence, chairman, House
    Committee on Armed Services; C.W. Bill Young, chairman, House Committee
    on Appropriations; Benjamin A. Gilman, chairman, House Committee on
    International Relations; John Warner, chairman, Senate Committee on
    Armed Services; Ted Stevens, chairman, Senate Committee on
    Appropriations; and Jesse Helms, chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign
    Relations. This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    on January 3, 2000.